(Additional contributors: David Ornstein, Simon Hughes, Raphael Honigstein, Adam Crafton, Daniel Taylor)
It all started with a phone call in June.
Thiago Alcantara was close to signing a lucrative new four-year contract with Bayern Munich, worth around £12 million per year (£230,000 per week), when his head was turned.
The Spain international was informed that Jurgen Klopp wanted him at Liverpool.
A friend of Thiago’s family told The Athletic: “Earlier this year, it seemed certain that he was going to extend his contract with Bayern Munich but then Liverpool’s interest escalated and this suddenly changed everything.
“The serious talks only began around three months ago with Liverpool. There has been speculation about Manchester United but Liverpool’s interest was absolutely clear and direct from the beginning. He’s been sure he’s been going there for several months.”
Klopp…