Liverpool’s midfield revolution is set to really kick into gear this week with the sales of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson set to spark the Reds into a string of deals of their own – with up to three new arrivals on the horizon for Jurgen Klopp.
The Merseysiders suffered a truly disappointing 2022/23 season, finishing fifth and outside the Champions League places for the first time since 2016. And with their midfield identified as a major area of weakness, Klopp has moved quickly to bolster their options .
In fact, a few days after the end of the season, the club confirmed the £35m signing of Alexis MacAllister from Brighton. Dominik Szoboszlai quickly followed after they triggered his £60m exit clause. at RB Leipzig.
And with a new No.8 and No.10 on board, Klopp wants to complete a perfect summer by also signing a new No.6.
To that end, negotiations over a deal for Romeo Lavia have been ongoing for some time. However, Southampton stand by a valuation of £50m for the Belgian. And although Liverpool have seen an initial offer of £35m rejected, there appears to be optimism that a deal can be struck.
For that purpose Fabrizio Romano has explained why there is confidence at Anfield that a deal for Lavia will go through.
Heading into the summer window – and having already waved goodbye to James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita – it seemed unlikely there would be more midfield exits on Merseyside.
But the strong-arm approach of the Saudi Arabian pro league seems to have changed the landscape significantly.
To that end, deals to take Fabinho to Al-Ittihad are close to reaching a conclusion.
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Liverpool want two more signings after Romeo Lavia
The Brazilian has been left out of Liverpool’s pre-season training camp in Germany as talks over a deal progress.
A deal to take Jordan Henderson to Al Ettifaq is a little further away. They had hoped to sign the midfielder on a free transfer, only for Liverpool to respond with a £10m valuation of the 33-year-old.
However, the England midfielder has already agreed a £700,000-a-week deal over three years.
With the duo seemingly more likely to leave, Klopp will suddenly have the funds and space in his squad to make further additions. To that end, Klopp will reportedly target two more signings in addition to Lavia.
For that purpose Monday’s Transfer Gossip detailed Liverpool have plans to stare down West Ham for the signing of Joao Palhinha.
The Portuguese star has made a big impression since leaving Sporting Lisbon for Fulham.
And having paid £20m for him just 12 months ago, the Cottagers can expect to at least double their investment.
To that end, Liverpool can expect to pay up to £50m for the 27-year-old.
Additionally, the Reds are also back in the market to sign long-term target Ryan Gravenberch this summer.
Klopp tried to sign the Netherlands international in 2022, only to see him opt for Bayern Munich.
However, the 21-year-old’s move to Bayern has not gone as planned. In fact, the midfielder managed just three Bundesliga starts during a frustrating campaign.
Liverpool are given permission to sign Ryan Gravenberch
And after being overlooked by Holland in their World Cup squad, the player made clear his desire to feature more often in the upcoming 2023/24 season.
Now reports claim Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel has given Gravenberch permission to leave. The Bundesliga champions are closing in on deals for both Kyle Walker and Harry Kane. However, the double deal will cost more than €100m and they need to make some money back.
Therefore, Gravenberch is among those who have been told that they can leave. And although some reports claim Bayern will seek a fee of around €25m. € (£21.5m), it is also suggested that Tuchel would prefer the midfielder to leave on just a season’s loan.
Regardless, Gravenberch is very much back on Liverpool’s radar.
And speaks to talkSPORT (16/07/23, 8.12am), journalist Dominic King claims the Dutchman is very much in Klopp’s sights.
Asked about Klopp replacements for Fabinho and Henderson, King had a definite answer.
“Ryan Gravenberch at Bayern Munich who they have had a long-term interest in,” he said.
“They were of the belief that Bayern Munich would not let him go, they believe very much in him.
“But I think the fact that they are still looking at him at Liverpool suggests that he is someone they could [move for].
“I wouldn’t say anything will happen because at this stage of the transfer window it would be ridiculous to say all I would make it clear is that he is a target they are looking at.”
In addition to Gravenberch, Bayern are also willing to sell Benjamin Pavard and Leon Goretska this summer.
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