A familiar figure returned to FC Barcelona last summer when former midfielder Thiago Alcântara joined the club as an external consultant for Hansi Flick’s coaching staff. However, his time at the Blaugrana was brief, as he departed just a few weeks later.

Currently, the ex-Bayern Munich and Liverpool midfielder is back in the United Kingdom, where he had to return due to tax obligations. Nevertheless, his association with Barcelona may not be over yet.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Hansi Flick is already planning for his return to the coaching staff in January. Upon his return from the UK, he will be a fully integrated member of the coaching team, with Barcelona set to make an official announcement without any issues.

Even now, the former midfielder remains connected to Flick’s staff via video link and closely monitors the day-to-day activities at the Catalan club. He also holds regular remote meetings with staff members and has played a role in several decisions.

Additionally, Thiago tried to assist in Barcelona’s pursuit of Stefan Bajčetić, one of his former Liverpool teammates, attempting to persuade him to join the club when Marc Bernal was injured. However, Barcelona’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints prevented this move, and Bajčetić eventually signed for Salzburg.

Thiago retired from professional football only at the end of last season and wasted no time in securing an exciting new project. Flick invited him to join his coaching team after the pair worked together at Bayern Munich, where Thiago was a key member of Flick’s sextuple-winning squad.

Thiago accepted Flick’s offer with the condition that he would officially start in January 2025, as in 2024, he remains a tax resident in the United Kingdom from his time as a Liverpool player.