Bale set for Spurs return; Liverpool sign Thiago
In significant developments in the summer transfer market, Premier League clubs Tottenham and Liverpool are both set to complete major signings this weekend.
While Gareth Bale’s move back to Spurs from Real Madrid will be completed this week, according to the player’s agent Jonathan Barnett, Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara is all set to move to Liverpool.
The final details of a complicated deal involving Bale are now being finalised by Madrid and Spurs, with Bale expected to seal a return to the club he left for a world-record €100 million in 2013.
“We’re getting there,” Barnett told AFP. “I think it will be completed this week.”
Madrid have been pushing for a permanent transfer for Bale in the hope of being rid of his salary, worth around 30 million euros.
But Tottenham are expected initially to take Bale on loan as part of a package that includes them paying around half of his wages, as well as some added fees depending on the Welshman’s performances.
That would mean the total deal could cost Spurs around 20 million euros for the season.
Bale has scored 105 goals and made 68 assists in 251 games for Real Madrid while winning four Champions League titles and two in La Liga.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirmed on Thursday the club has agreed a transfer with Liverpool for Spain midfielder Thiago.
“I can confirm that FC Bayern have finally agreed with Liverpool FC,” Rummenigge told German daily Bild.
“It was Thiago’s big wish to once more do something new before the end of his career.”
It is understood Liverpool will pay an initial fee of €22 million for the player, who has one year remaining on his contract at European champions Bayern, with more to follow in add-ons.
Bayern head coach Hansi Flick congratulated Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on landing Alcantara, who he described as an “exceptional player”.
“’Kloppo’ is getting a top player and a great person,” Flick said Thursday. “It was very emotional today when he (Alcantara) said goodbye.”
Thiago, 29, had a year left on his contract at Bayern and had stalled over signing an extension.