Liverpool are reportedly planning to sign three more midfielders this summer, having now agreed deals for Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
The Reds are making something of a midfield revolution, with four departures at the end of last season. Indeed, while the exit of James Milner came as a bit of a surprise, the farewells of Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo were more expected.
However, what Liverpool fans certainly wouldn’t have predicted going into the summer window was the departure of stalwarts Henderson and Fabinho. The former is certainly something of an Anfield icon. The club’s longest-serving player, Henderson has been at Anfield now for 12 seasons, captaining the Reds through one of the most successful periods in their history.
But with Saudi Pro-League side Al Ettifaq coming calling, Henderson has been offered a three-year deal worth a staggering £700,000-a-week. Henderson has tripled his weekly take-home pay at Anfield and has reportedly agreed to the move.
However, Liverpool do not play the ball quite so easily. The Saudi Arabian side’s wishes to sign him on a free have been waved away, with a £10million fee on the 33-year-old’s head.
However, Football Insider are now reporting that the move has now been signed and Henderson will soon complete the move.
He will follow Brazilian star Fabinho to the Middle East. For that, the former Monaco and Real Madrid midfielder is close to sealing a move to Al-Ittihad for a fee of around £40m.
Before Henderson and Fabinho’s exit routes emerged, Liverpool were planning an additional midfield addition anyway. The Reds have already moved to sign Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai for a combined £95m.
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Liverpool target Romeo Lavia transfer and two more
First up for the Reds – and a deal that has been in the works for some time – is Romeo Lavia.
Liverpool have reportedly seen an opening bid of around £35m waved off by Southampton. To that end, the Championship feel a valuation closer to £50m is more accurate for the highly-rated teenager.
And while Liverpool believe £40m is a more accurate valuation, the sale of Fabinho and Henderson gives them a bit of a rub.
However, Football Insider also report that Jurgen Klopp wants two more signings in addition to Lavia and as replacements for Henderson and Fabinho.
To that end, Klopp and new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke have drawn up a five-man wish list.
And in addition to Lavia, Liverpool are reportedly back in the race to sign both Khephren Thuram and Kouadio Kone. The French duo have been on Liverpool’s radar for weeks now. However, interest in the duo apparently cooled with the focus on Lavia.
However, with the impending sale of both Fabinho and Henderson, Liverpool are once again exploring their potential signings.
Furthermore, a new name has been added to that list with Crystal Palace‘s Cheick Doucoure is now also emerging as a serious possibility.
The defensive midfielder is reportedly under consideration as a possible Fabinho heir. Since signing for the Eagles last summer, the Malian has made 35 Premier League appearances. An outstanding addition to their midfield, the 23-year-old was named the club’s Player of the Year.
Contracted at Selhurst Park until 2027, he wouldn’t come cheap. Indeed, Palace are also likely to demand a fee of almost £50m.
Liverpool also sees the development in Palhinha
The Merseysiders also retain an interest in another London-based midfielder in Joao Palhinha.
The Fulham star also enjoyed an outstanding 2022/23 season, comfortably topping the Premier League’s successful tackle list.
His form has alerted West Ham – cash-strapped from the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal – of his possible signature. However, their opening offer of £45m has already been knocked back by the Cottagers.
However, the Hammers are expected to try again, despite reports Fulham Rate the Portuguese star at a staggering £90m.
Liverpool are long-term admirers of the 27-year-old themselves and are reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation. And while they aren’t planning an approach just yet, it wouldn’t be a shock if their stance changes.
But if Fulham stand by their asking price, it is unlikely that Liverpool will make an inquiry. However, should the Hammers get a bid accepted, the Reds could look to match it.
And if the Reds manage to land three more midfielders, Liverpool would be looking at a minimum outlay of £140m.
If you add to the already invested £95 million, it is a statement of intent from the owners FSG.
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