Saudi Arabian football’s raid on Liverpool‘s midfielder is reportedly set to continue after Al-Ahli made a €12million (£10.4m) for Thiago Alcantara.
Jurgen Klopp has already seen Jordan Henderson and Fabinho snared to the Kingdom this summer, leaving major holes in his midfield unit on the eve of the season.
Now French newspaper L’Equipe claim that Al-Ahli are pushing to land the Spaniard as part of their squad overhaul.
Thiago has one year remaining on his contract at Anfield and has a decision to make over his long term future.
But with five midfield departures so far this summer, losing another starting-calibre player days out from the season opener would represent a major blow to Klopp.
A new report has claimed Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has interest from Saudi Arabia
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has called for FIFA to act over Saudi Arabia’s transfer window
Al-Ahli’s reported offer would see Thiago (right) reunited with ex-team-mate Roberto Firmino
Liverpool boss Klopp has been left frustrated by the powers of Saudi clubs and recently called on FIFA to act over their transfer window closing three weeks after the European deadline.
The transfer window will close in Europe’s top five leagues on September 1.
Clubs in Saudi Arabia have until September 20 to complete their business, having already invested heavily this summer.
The difference in deadlines could lead to disruption to squads in Europe, should the Saudi Pro League attract further big names, such as Thiago.
‘It is massive, in the moment,’ Klopp said, when asked about the Saudi influence on this window.
‘Pretty much the worst thing I think is that the transfer window in Saudi Arabia is open three weeks longer.
‘If I am right, I heard something like that, then at least in Europe that’s not helpful. ‘UEFA or FIFA must find solutions for that. But in the end, at this moment, I don’t know exactly what will happen.
‘It is already influential, for us, for sure. We will have to learn to deal with it, and that’s what we do. That’s pretty much all I can say about it, time will show.’
Firmino has been one of the big name arrivals in the Saudi Pro League over the summer
Jordan Henderson, left, and Fabinho, right, have already left Liverpool for Saudi Pro League