Marc Muniesa (above), a 21 year old Spanish defender, recently joined Stoke City on a free transfer from Barcelona (
Sky Sports). Muniesa received his football education at the renowned Cantera - Barcelona's youth setup. Being the same age as Thiago, both players have grown together in the same setup and have nurtured a meaningful friendship. In fact, soon after their
U21 European Championship conquest, they went on holiday together as tweeted by both
Thiago and
Muniesa themselves. Could this friendship and Muniesa's move to Stoke, increase the possibility of Thiago moving to Manchester United? Manchester and Stoke are less than an hour away. There is no doubt that having a long-term friend from his homeland for his move to another country would be a plus point for Thiago who will be able to call on his friend Muniesa with ease. Is it only a coincidence that it had to be former United hero Mark Hughes to snap up Muniesa on a free? Or is there a possibility that Man Utd were involved in this deal in possibly encouraging the Stoke City manager in signing the Catalan player? There will never be an answer for this, however, my personal theory is that some type of link exists. In either case, this will definitely work in favour of United as Thiago makes a decision on his future in the coming days. Thiago would find De Gea at United, who are said to be good friends following their many years working and winning together within the Spanish youth sides. Together they have won the U21 European Championship in 2011 and 2013. De Gea has been doing his bit, in order to convince Thiago to come to Manchester. De Gea was quoted as saying "Hopefully I will have a Spanish team-mate at United next season. I, and every other Manchester United player, would like him to join the club," (
Goal). De Gea also made use the final's match ball, rewarded to Thiago for scoring a hattrick, by writing "Nos vemos en Manchester" translated to "We'll meet in Manchester"(
The Sun).
This all helps in bringing the Italy-born Thiago to Manchester, however, the fact that his friend Muniesa, with whom he's grown up, will be living only a few minutes away from him, will definitely work in United's favour. The latest news coming from Spain, claims that a deal is close to be reached.
Sport, a Barcelona based newspaper, has reported that the final details of the deal will be discussed over the next days. David Moyes, in his first press conference as Man Utd Manager claimed that the Club is working hard to try and finalise some deals before the team jets out for its pre-season tour (
Metro). Is it possible that one of these deals relates to Thiago? I believe so. It's a tring time for Manchester United supporters, who can't wait to read that Thiago has signed for the Champions of England. Hopefully, in the coming days we will read such news.