Transfer Centre

Shirt numbers available to Thiago Alcantara at Manchester United

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 07 July 2020

Amid reports linking Thiago Alcantara with a move to Manchester United, Sports Mole looks at the shirt numbers that could be available to the midfielder.

Since the turn of the year, Manchester United have been frequently linked with a wide range of attack-minded players, most notably Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.

However, recent speculation has credited United with an interest in another player from the Bundesliga in Thiago Alcantara, who appears likely to leave Bayern Munich over the coming months.

Despite being a key man at the Allianz Arena, the Spaniard wants to experience a new league, while Bayern do not want to risk losing the 29-year-old on a free transfer next summer.

Although Liverpool are regarded as the favourites for his signature, United are said to be contemplating whether to make their own approach for the player.

With that in mind, Sports Mole looks at the shirt numbers that could be available to Thiago if he were to complete a transfer to Old Trafford.

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara pictured in August 2019 © Reuters

While Thiago has spent his time at Bayern in possession of the number six jersey, Paul Pogba currently holds that shirt in the United dressing room.

Unless Pogba is sold to accommodate the arrival of the playmaker, it leaves Thiago to consider alternatives, aware that some squad members may depart the North-West outfit in due course.

Despite the number seven and 11 shirts being vacant, they are likely to be saved for wide players, potentially leaving Thiago to focus on taking over the number four jersey from Phil Jones.

Real Madrid's Toni Kroos in action with Bayern Munich's Thiago in the International Champions Cup on July 20, 2019 © Reuters

Further down the list is the number 12, currently vacant, and numbers 15 and 16, occupied by Andreas Pereira and Marcos Rojo, who could both be sold before the beginning of next season.

Taking over Timothy Fosu-Mensah's number 24 jersey is also an option, while Thiago may also give consideration to the numbers which he was given during his early days at Barcelona.

The numbers in questions are 34 and 44, although the latter is currently held by academy graduate Tahith Chong.