Pep gave Thiago his first games for Barcelona B as a 15/16 year old. He's known him for 13+ years, played 150 games under his management in 2 countries. Pep famously made signing him a provision in his contract with Bayern Munich.
I don't think he'll be going to Leroy to get a read on Pep.
Similarly he's known Silva, Boateng, Xabi Alonso, Navas, Coutinho, Gnabry for years if he wants info about moving to England and the North West.
Alaba in a similar situation.
Not that i think Leroy would actually have much bad to say about the club.
I have no doubts about their respect for pep.
But neither has any actual experience of manchester or the club (beyond what they hear within the confines of germany and bayern - which I doubt is positive!!).
Add to that a player that agitated for a move from city to bayern and I can’t imagine either has any desire to play here whatsoever.
I’d be shocked if we sign any of their key players this summer or for a while.