The Guardian article is kind of expected. I would think Barca will want to try to convince Thiago to stay. Personally, I don't think they can offer him the game time, even with an ageing Xavi and Iniesta, Fabregas still isn't getting the time in the midfield. With the arrival of Neymar and Messi 2 of the front 3 spots are closed off, with Villa, Pedro and Sanchez on the other. With Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas, even Song providing something different competition is stiff in the middle. As Barca showed with Fabregas if a player is good enough they'll buy him back. I don't really see what Thiago has to lose by moving, but Barca do like to play that family line when it suits them.