Former Barcelona midfielder Thiago Alcantara is set to return to the club in January 2025 as part of Hansi Flick’s coaching staff, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo.
Thiago Alcantara Set for January Return to Barcelona as Coach
The La Masia graduate, who recently hung up his boots after his contract with Liverpool expired, will officially take on a coaching role after impressing during a brief stint this summer.
Thiago, a key figure in Barcelona’s golden era under Pep Guardiola, initially joined Flick’s staff as an external consultant following his retirement.
However, his short-term deal was cut short due to tax reasons, forcing him to return to England.
Despite the distance, Thiago remained closely involved with Barcelona’s operations, regularly attending virtual meetings and offering guidance to the club’s younger players.
During his time as a consultant, Thiago left a lasting impact, particularly on Barcelona’s emerging midfield talents. His insight and connection to the modern game made him a valuable asset to the coaching team.
Flick and his staff have reportedly been eager to bring him back on board, seeing the value he adds, especially in nurturing the next generation of midfielders.
One of Thiago’s most notable contributions during his brief tenure was his effort to help recruit Liverpool’s Stefan Bajcetic to Barcelona.
Despite his attempts to convince the young midfielder to join the Catalan side, financial fair play issues halted the move, and Bajcetic ended up signing with RB Salzburg.
Now, with a formal coaching role awaiting him, Thiago’s return to Barcelona in January could mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the club and the former midfielder alike.