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The 29-year-old is entering the final year of his contract in Germany and has been closely linked with a move to Anfield.
Liverpool need to sign Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich to help prevent a Premier League slump, according to Gary Neville.
Jurgen Klopp’s men claimed the Premier League title in 2019-20, winning the league by an 18-point margin over runner-up Manchester City.
That triumph came a season after Klopp led Liverpool to the Champions League title, and the Reds solidified their status as one of Europe’s elite teams.
Liverpool have only made one offseason addition so far: left-back Kostas Tsimikas, who joined a £ 11.75 million ($ 15 million) deal from Olympiacos.
Neville believes that is not enough to prevent a regression in 2020-21 and has tipped Liverpool to move for Thiago, who has been heavily linked with a transfer to Anfield.
“To reach a Champions League final, win it the following season and then win the Premier League title again is a huge emotional toll for that group of Liverpool players for three years,” Neville said in Sky sports.
“Asking them to go back and meet that same standard would be a superhuman effort.
“It wouldn’t be ridiculous to suggest that there will be a slight drop, if they don’t somehow stimulate that squad by doing something to give them that boost again.
“Thiago would be the greatest. He is world class and would give them a world class presence in an area of the field where they don’t have one.”
The 29-year-old has been coy about his transfer plans as his contract with the Bundesliga champions enters its final season, although Bayern appear resigned to losing the Spanish international.
Neville believes the midfielder would be a necessary addition to Jurgen Klopp’s squad, which will likely look very similar to last season, but may be missing a piece in midfield.
“Liverpool are not perfect. They have a world-class goalie, center-back and forwards, “Neville said.” They have very good midfielders with a good work ethic, but with Thiago it would be one more step. I’d control the game with that passing weight, that nous. “
Liverpool’s title defense begins on Saturday when they take on newly promoted Leeds United at Anfield.
