The Thiago affair is quickly becoming a tough task for Andoni Zubizarreta, and a task with no easy solution. Thiago has been one of the great stars that shined brightest during the European U-21 Championships. The whole continent has witnessed the magic that the midfielder is capable of, and the big clubs all know that he is up for grabs, not least because his agent, Pere Guardiola, has been offering him to all and sundry for €18 million.
That is the price stipulated on his contract, and for many it's an absolute bargain. Moreover, many of these big clubs are gleefully aware that the player is none too happy with Barcelona, as under Vilanova he played very few minutes last season. Manchester United is said to be the big gun with the greatest possibilities.
Zubi and Tito have both tried to make the player see that he needs to be more patient. They have assured him that in the end there will be a place for him, that he will be needed and that Xabi and Iniesta also didn't play so much at his age. But these words of assurance seem to be falling on deaf ears. Thiago is not convinced.
Zubi will sit down with him once again. The pressure to have the player stay is increasing by the day, with the Catalan press asking the club to stop the player from leaving. Zubi has to act, and quickly.
The club still has an ace up its sleeve – improving his contract. Guardiola swore by Thiago, and the young midfielder started off earning a healthy €1.8 million in the hand, per season. And there lies Zubi's problem – improving this already generous deal would set a bad example and might prove to be dangerous for the club.