With speculation of the ageing midfield duo packing their bags and heading to Saudi Arabia as part of the reds squad rebuild for the 2023/24 season, Jurgen Klopp, his coaching team and Jorg Schmadtke, the sporting director, will have to think hard about possible suitors for their positions.
Al-Ittihad have shown an increased liking to Fabinho with the side reportedly willing to spend big on him. It is said that the Brazilian is to be estimated around €40 million and it is unlikely Liverpool will accept much below that due to the number three having signed a five-year contract extension in 2021. An interesting point to note is that former Wolves and Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo is the current manager of the Saudi side and has previously worked with Fabinho at Rio Ave in the Primeira Liga.
As for Jordan Henderson, his former teammate and Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard, is looking to bring the English international to Al Ettifaq as one of his first signings being manager of the club with the fee looking to be around the €10 million mark. The reds captain has only two years left on his contract and Klopp has already stated to the skipper to expect reduced minutes in the coming season. With this in mind, the 33-year-old has decided to accept the offer and would be earning £700,000 a week if the two clubs come to an agreement which could be difficult as Al Ettiqaf are not willing to spend large on a transfer fee for him.
The biggest worry amongst fans is that with vice-captain James Milner already gone and now Jordan Henderson looking likely to also move on from the club, that there won’t be enough leadership in the team especially with new and young players entering the squad. If the captaincy spot does become vacant, the likes of Virgil Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alisson Becker are all looking favourites to take the armband who all show good leadership qualities.
Both Henderson and Fabinho have been great servants to the club and replacing them could face to be a difficult task. However, some of the names linked to joining Liverpool are the hottest on the market and would rejuvenate the midfield.
Southampton’s Romeo Lavia has been on the reds list for some time now with the Belgian holding midfielder impressing in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign despite being relegated. The 19-year-old shows a great understanding of the game, remaining to stay calm under pressure as well as outstanding defensive qualities. The Saints value their golden boy at €50 million but Liverpool are reluctant to spend that much on him.
Another holding midfielder being linked to the club is Moises Caicedo. The Ecuadorian has been linked to a plethora of big clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea but has yet to make a move with the Brighton man having signed a new long-term contract only four months ago. Caicedo has expressed his interest on a transfer but with Brighton claiming their midfield maestro to be worth upwards of €100 million, it’s whether anyone would be willing to spend that much on such a young, yet exciting talent.
Finally, Khephren Thuram has been rumoured for a move to Merseyside since the transfer window opened but has since gone quiet with Liverpool believing the price tag of €55 million to be too high. Despite this, with Henderson looking to be on his way out of the club and more funds being made, the French midfielder could find a place in the team under Klopp. The OGC Nice player is known for his powerful, driving runs from deep. This matched with his physicality and pace would strengthen any team especially with him being only 22 years of age and still developing.
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