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Thiago Alcantara joins Liverpool in £25 million deal from Bayern Munich

Thiago joins on a four-year deal  (Bongarts/Getty)
Thiago joins on a four-year deal (Bongarts/Getty)

Liverpool have finalised the £25 million signing of Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich in a significant move to strengthen their designs on retaining the Premier League title.

The pedigreed midfielder passed a medical on Friday before penning a four-year deal with the champions of England.

The Merseysiders had been in talks with their Bundesliga counterparts from the start of the week over structuring the fee, with an agreement between the clubs materialising on Thursday morning.

A guaranteed £20m will be paid over the course of Thiago's contract, while an additional £5m is dependent on performance-based bonuses, such as winning the top flight or Champions League.

Progression through the rounds in the latter competition would also count if the player is integral to Liverpool’s success while individual honours also count towards it.

Thiago Alcantara joins on a four-year dealBongarts/Getty
Thiago Alcantara joins on a four-year dealBongarts/Getty

Thiago will wear the No 6 shirt at Anfield and arms Klopp with greater tactical variety, press resistance as well as unique passing ability.

“Thiago is an extraordinary player and was very important for us,” said Bayern coach Hansi Flick. “It was a joy working with him.

Thiago Alcantara adds tactical variety for Jurgen KloppPOOL/AFP via Getty Images
Thiago Alcantara adds tactical variety for Jurgen KloppPOOL/AFP via Getty Images

"Thiago gave the team a lot of options and made us unpredictable, he solved things in ways you don’t expect. I congratulate Klopp — he gets a top player and a sensational person.”

Liverpool have also been scouting a forward option with Watford’s Ismaila Sarr one of the candidates being assessed, but his £40m valuation is prohibitive.

The club are short at centre-back after Dejan Lovren’s departure, but the signing of Thiago allows Klopp to drop Fabinho in the heart of defence if needed.