Barcelona midfield Heir-in-waiting Thiago Alcantara featured in the promo picture for the Barcelona home kit 2013/2014 with Pique, Messi, Xavi, Iniesta & Puyol. Some days later this photo is amended & cropped with Alcantara being the notable absentee.
One question: Why Barcelona, why?
Thiago's father, Mazinho, who has a Tapas bar in Barcelona, is allegedly selling up, with the insinuation being that Thiago is on the move from Catalunya. There can be 3 reasons. First reason could be Thiago is on the move (hopefully to United)! Second reason could be Mazinho would like to retire from selling Tapas as both his sons (Rafinha & Thiago) are set for lucrative careers at Barca (or elsewhere)!. Third reason is that Mazinho is still finalising the sale and that is why Thiago has not gone through with the switch to Manchester. Two out of the three possible reasons point to a Thiago transfer.
Gerard Pique & Xavi have made public pleas for Thiago to stay and realise his potential at Barca - which indicates that there really is something in the air.
Barca meanwhile have issued a statement that there has been no bid for Thiago and expect him at pre-season training! Somewhere in the midst of all this, Thiago adds confusion to the process by tweeting "I love Barcelona" whilst posting a picture of him relaxing poolside with brother Rafinha. United fans remain on tenterhooks waiting for developments.
Alternatively, David Moyes could be baulking at the playing demands that Thiago is making, though this is doubtful giving Uniteds aching need to add quality & depth to their midfield options. More so in light of the fact that Paul Pogba has shown his prowess with regular playing time, since arriving at newly crowned Scudetto champions Juventus.
Moyes could be baulking at Thiago's wage demands. This is also doubful as United perceivably would be taking advantage of paying such a small transfer fee (£17.5M) for such a hot prospect. Remember Rooney cost £25M.
In weighing up the evidence, the question still remains; Why is Prince Thiago dragging his heels with the United switch?