A Barcelona official has claimed Thiago Alcantara’s departure in 2013 was not down to the player’s financial demands, paving the way of a possible return to the Nou Camp.

Thiago moved to Bayern Munich in July 2013, reuniting with former Barca coach Pep Guardiola after seeing his first-team chances limited.

He has been a regular for the Bavarians in his five years and there is strong speculation that he could return to the Catalan club with the Spanish giants looking to bolster their midfield following the departure of Andres Iniesta.

And Guillermo Amor, the club’s director of institutional relations, said: “He didn’t leave for money.

“It’s not the same as a boy of 16 years old who leaves for the money. He left because Barcelona sold him.”