Liverpool confirm signing of Thiago Alcantara

Liverpool have officially confirmed the signing of midfielder Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich.

After months of speculation, the Spaniard has been confirmed as a Liverpool player on liverpoolfc.com.

Per The Athletic, the transfer will cost a guaranteed £20 million, with potential for further add-ons.

The £20 million fee will be spread out across the four years of Thiago's contract, meaning the Reds will only part with £5 million this year.

Speaking to the club's official website, Thiago said: “I think it’s an amazing feeling. I was waiting for this moment for a long time and I am very, very happy to be here.

"I think this club describes what I am as well - I want to achieve all of the goals, win as many trophies as possible.

“It also has this kind of family feeling that I need."

Jurgen Klopp also spoke of his new recruit, telling the website: "I’m really happy that it finally worked out and we could just do it.

"A player like Thiago – settled that much at Bayern – is usually out of reach for pretty much everybody.

"We want to use him on the pitch, that’s clear. So the work can start now."

Thiago: Liverpool's saga of the summer

It was late June when we here at Anfield Central first reported a potential link between Liverpool and Thiago.

And now, on the 18th of September, a deal has finally been confirmed.

A seemingly random and unlikely deal has come to fruition and Liverpool have got their hands on a world-class player.

Thiago joins Jurgen Klopp's side with a wealth of experience and, crucially, experience of winning things.

His time at Barcelona and Bayern brought two Champions Leagues, nine league titles and five domestic cups.

The 29-year-old will no doubt be hoping to add more honours to his already astonishing list.

While some fans may be expecting a Kevin de Bruyne-style no.10, they must understand that this is not Thiago's game.

He plays much deeper, instead creating things with long passes and line-breaking dribbles. He often gets the pre-assist, rather than the assist itself.

Yes, he is technically gifted, possibly the most technically gifted midfielder on the planet, but he also has an element of steel to him, with phenomenal defensive work to go with his elite game management.

Click here to see exactly how Thiago Alcantara will fit into the Reds' plans.