Thiago Alcantara Is Wise to Negotiate Playing-Time Clause With Manchester United

Too often, young players fail to think everything through when signing contracts. Thiago Alcantara has shown that he is an exception to the rule.

The 22-year-old midfielder is known as one of the top young stars in the sport, with his ability as both a scorer and a passer. He was Spain's captain at the U-21 European Championship and scored three goals and an assist to lead the team to a title.

If given the playing time, he has the ability to become one of the better midfielders in the world. Unfortunately, he has not been able to find his way onto the pitch at Barcelona.

Last season, Thiago got a career-high 15 starts in La Liga, although the talented roster leaves little room for more playing time over the next few years. As a result, he is trying to make his way off the club via transfer.

Fortunately for the youngster, Manchester United is waiting with open arms to acquire him for next season. Paul Clenman of Goal.com reports that the club is "confident of completing a £15.4 million deal for the midfielder" and will increase his salary to £120,000 per week.

This is an outstanding deal for a player who still has a lot to prove, and virtually anyone would take it with no questions asked. However, Thiago is smart enough to also negotiate an extra clause.

Duncan McMath of ESPN cites a report in Spanish newspaper Sport that stated:

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Manchester United target Thiago Alcantara will demand a low-priced buy-out clause allowing him to leave Old Trafford at the end of his first season should he not play a certain amount of games, according to Sport.

And after witnessing close friend Giovani Dos Santos’s unhappy stint with Tottenham, where he only made ten Premier League appearances over four seasons, he is keen not to suffer a repeat.

"

This is very good foresight for a player that is still beginning his career.

Manchester United is extremely talented, and Thiago has the ability to thrive with the defending EPL champs. However, there are also players who could take his spot on the first team. This clause gives him an opportunity to leave if he continues to spend time on the bench.

If things do not work out, he could transfer yet again to a club that might have less competition for playing time.

That being said, the Spanish player should have every chance to showcase his talent at Old Trafford. His ability to create opportunities for others will work out well with Robin van Persie, who knows how to finish as well as anyone in the league. 

The addition would make the club even stronger next year as it looks to contend for a Champions League title.

Still, Thiago is smart enough to cover his tracks just in case. He has learned from past players like Giovani Dos Santos, as well as his father Mazinho, who had a solid career himself. 

If everything goes well, the midfielder is set up for a fine future. 

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