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Barcelona Planning Bayern Raid, This Summer

Barcelona Planning Bayern Raid, This Summer

They may not have a manager for next season, but Barca are still eyeing new players

Joe Baiamonte

Joe Baiamonte

Barcelona may not have a new manager in place for next season but that hasn't stopped them from identifying transfer targets for the 2017/18 campaign.

And it would appear that an ex-Barca player is top of the club's Summer shopping list.

In 2013, the midfield trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets were impossible to shift from their starting slots in Barca's first XI. It was a situation that forced La Masia grduate Thiago Alcantara to depart Catalonia for Bavaria.

Thiago
Thiago


Thiago Messi
Thiago Messi

Barca are hoping these scenes can be recreated at Camp Nou next season. Images: PA

Pep Guardiola made the young Spanish midfielder one of his first signings upon becoming Bayern Munich manager but now, four years later, with Barca's midfield not quite as settled as it once was and Thiago thriving at the Allianz Arena, the 25-year-old has more chance of becoming a first team regular at the Camp Nou.

Cadena Ser has reported that Barca scouts cast their eyes over Thiago during Bayern's two dominant 5-1 victories over Arsenal in the Champions League.

Thiago
Thiago

Thiago was in inspired form during the two legs of Bayern's 10-2 mauling of Arsenal in the Champions League. Images: PA

Quite why Barca's scouts would need to watch a player who grew up at their club and played over 100 times for them is anyone's guess, however.

Thiago's current deal with Bayern expires at the end of next season and Barca are hoping that Thiago's brother Rafinha can help convince him to return to Catalonia.

Manchester City are also said to be interested, with Pep Guardiola keen on a reunion with the talented midfielder.

(H/T 101 Great Goals)

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Football, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Thiago Alcantara