Thiago Alcantara making a return to Barcelona would represent an ideal move for LaLiga’s champions, according to Rafinha.
The two brothers came through the ranks at La Masia to break into Barca’s first-team but Thiago moved to Bayern Munich in 2013 to join up with former Barca boss Pep Guardiola.
Winger Malcom, defender Clement Lenglet and playmaker Arthur have already been added to Julen Lopetegui’s squad ahead of the new campaign but Barcelona are understood to remain in the market for a midfielder.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Adrien Rabiot is reported to be their top target but Thiago has been mentioned as an alternative and Rafinha believes his elder sibling would still fit seamlessly into the club’s playing style.
“I think he would fit in perfectly with the team’s style of play.”
Whether Rafinha would be around to enjoy a prospective reunion is a moot point after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Inter.
“Honestly, if I knew my future, I would tell you,” said the 25-year-old, who has been able to count Lazio and Tottenham among his reported admirers.
“A lot of teams have been linked with me, that’s true, but I’m not thinking about these things. It’s not to do with me, other people are working on it.
“All players want to play football. They want to be where they can play the most minutes. It’s the same for me, whether that’s here or somewhere else.” Thiago is a highly creative and technically gifted playmaker, with excellent dribbling skills and ball control, which allows him to operate effectively in a deep-seated playmaking role as a central midfielder, although he is also capable of playing in a more advanced role as an attacking midfielder.
He has been noted for his accurate distribution of the ball, as he possesses great passing technique and vision, and maintained a 90.2% pass success rate throughout the 2016–17 Bundesliga season, higher than any other player in Germany. His half brother Rafinha may not be as technically gifted but he has a very capable left foot and is a very good utility player. Rafinha can play in midfield, defence and on the right or left side of the attack.
Rafinha made his league debut for Barcelona on 24 August 2014 in Luis Enrique’s first match in charge, playing the first half of an eventual 3–0 win over Elche at the Camp Nou before being replaced by Marc Bartra.On 25 November, he assisted Lionel Messi’s goal in a 4–0 group stage triumph at APOEL, which made him the outright top scorer in the history of the UEFA Champions League; however, he was also sent off for two bookings later on in the match.[