I’d be surprised if Thiago doesn’t join Liverpool, says Hamann

Dietmar Hamann is ‘sure’ Thiago has an offer on the table to join Liverpool and would be surprised if the move doesn’t materialize.

Thiago Alcantara became a Champions League winner for a second time upon helping Bayern Munich defeat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 during Sunday’s final.

The Spain international delivered yet another trademark performance. He had more touches and possession of the ball than any other player, enabling him to dictate proceedings and make some superb passes. It was a fitting end to what was quite possibly his last outing with the club.

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has already confirmed Thiago’s desire to leave, with his contract to expire next year. A move to Liverpool, therefore, is widely expected this summer.

Head coach Hansi Flick confessed himself that neither he nor the midfielder knows what will happen next. Ex-Bayern and Liverpool star Hamann, on the other hand, thinks otherwise.

The German, who won the 2005 Champions League title with Liverpool, told talkSPORT: “He’s been offered a contract in Munich which he’s turned down.

“He must have shown an interest in staying otherwise they wouldn’t have offered him a contract. But in the last minute he pulled out and said he might want to do something else.

“I’d be very surprised if he turned down a contract from Bayern Munich if he hasn’t got anything else [on the table].

“I’m sure he’s got an offer from Liverpool, it’s probably about the transfer fee now.

“I never felt he was a defensive midfielder who could play a holding role, but I’ve got to say he was absolutely magnificent against Bayern Munich the way he pulled things together.

“He’s a brilliant footballer who I think can give a different dimension to Liverpool’s midfield. I’d be surprised if he doesn’t end up at Liverpool.”

Arsenal are another club reportedly interested in signing Thiago this summer. The question will they, or Liverpool for that matter, be able to afford Bayern’s alleged €30m asking price? Or perhaps talk the European champions down?