"He can still start in the midfield", "Winning it all" - Fans react as ex-Barcelona star returns to the club in coaching role

Fans recently shared their opinions on social media after former Barcelona star Thiago Alcântara returned to the Catalan club in a coaching role. The 33-year-old midfielder announced his decision to hang up his boots earlier this month.

The La Masia graduate joined Blaugrana's A team in 2009 and continued till 2013. He then joined Bundesliga club Bayern Munich, where he played for seven years. Alcântara then shifted base to Premier League side Liverpool on a four-year contract following which he announced his retirement.

Fans were impressed with Thiago Alcântara becoming a new member of head coach Hansi Flick's staff at Barcelona.

Here are some of the reactions on X:

One fan wrote:

"He can still start in the midfield for this finished Barca team."

Another added:

"Thiago would make a good coach. This I know for sure. He has high standards for this game."

"Wow, that's a big move! Wishing Thiago all the best in this new chapter. Exciting times ahead for the team!" chimed in another fan.

One account posted:

"This is an interesting development, and it will be intriguing to see how Thiago's experience and expertise will contribute to the team's success."

Another tweeted:

"Barcelona coaching staff this season is so packed, we are winning it all."

"Good to have Thiago Alcantara join Hansi Flick as part of his coaching team being fresh from playing professional football hope it pays off," posted another.

One user wrote:

"I won't be surprised if he comes out of his retirement. Too good to retire 😪."

While another wrote:

"Retiring at this point in his life might turn out to be the best decision he ever made. Let us see how the new world he has ventured into plays out Fingers crossed."

During his tenure at the Blaugrana as a player, Thiago Alcântara won four La Liga titles, two Supercopa de España, the 2011–12 Copa del Rey, the 2010–11 UEFA Champions League, the 2011 UEFA Super Cup, and the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup.

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Barcelona reportedly keen on signing a Euro 2024-winning midfielder in the summer transfer window

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Euro 2024-winning Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino in the summer transfer window. Newly appointed Catalan coach Hansi Flick wants a box-to-box midfielder in his squad, and the 28-year-old fits the club's requirements, as per Relevo.

The Spanish club are looking to strengthen their midfield this summer with names like Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi having been linked with a potential move to Camp Nou.

Following his stint at Newcastle United, Mikel Merino joined Real Sociedad in 2018 reportedly for €12 million. His current contract with the La Liga club is valid until June 30, 2025.

Other prominent clubs, including Atletico Madrid and Arsenal, are also interested in signing the Spanish midfielder, although Merino reportedly prefers Barcelona over others, according to Alex Pintanel.