Within a few chaotic hours, Liverpool faced the possibility of losing both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia, so who was going to replace them?
Liverpool have reached an important point of the season, adding two midfielders to their ranks but now face the loss of two of their oldest players in this position.
Henderson has agreed a three-year deal to join Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq but no deal has yet been reached between the two clubs, while Fabinho is expected to be the subject of a £40m offer from Al Ittihad.
There is enough for Jurgen Klopp and Co. to assess, and if they have made one or both, they must ensure they have the right replacements ready to make the switch.
So, here’s a look at 10 possible options.
Aurelia Tchouameni
Age: 23
Club: Real Madrid
Have we ever been linked? Yes very well! Last summer, Liverpool tried to sign the Frenchman ahead of his move to Real Madrid.
“The first [club] to come forward was Liverpool, we had discussions. Then came Real,” explained Tchouameni.
“We wanted a midfielder but the midfielder decided to change clubs,” Klopp said last August. There has since been speculation that Liverpool could make a comeback for the player following Real’s signing of Jude Bellingham.
He will certainly have competition in Madrid with Modric, Kroos, Camavinga, Valverde and Bellingham.
How good is he? Terribly. You know, Jurgen knows! It would certainly be an upgrade on Fabinho as well.
Teun Koopmeiners
Age: 25
Company: Atalanta
Have we been connected before? Yes, in April the Dutchman was considered as a possible option for the club this summer.
Unsurprisingly, Liverpool have been described as fans of the 25-year-old, there’s a lot to like.
How good is he? An imposing central midfielder who has the makings of filling a variety of midfield roles. He can stop play and help his defense while being a goal threat, a polished player who has the defensive skills to play in the Premier League.
Aptitude? 8/10
Moses Caicedo
Have we ever been linked? If Liverpool weren’t you’d be worried. We followed suit, but the price continues to be called prohibitive. But if you want the right player for years to come, you have to be willing to pay for it.
How good is he? Let’s put it this way: Liverpool should do everything to have him. He can inject instant quality into midfield, a game changer that doesn’t come around too often.
Appropriateness? 10/10
Ibrahim Sangare
Age: 25
Club: PSV Eindhoven
Have we been connected before? When news broke last June that Tchouameni had signed a deal with Real Madrid, it was reported that scouts from Liverpool had been following Sangare.
He was said to be “firmly in the crosshairs” for the Reds, with his attributes matching Tchouameni’s perfectly.
How good is he? He is predominantly a defensive midfielder, which Liverpool would need if Fabinho leaves and, above all, it would be convenient. Nottingham Forest are interested and their asking price is said to be around £30m. He handles the ball well, is strong in the air and can clear his lines smartly.
Is right in his game and especially at his peak. Something that Liverpool lacked in this position last season.
Aptitude? 8/10
Khephren Thuram
Age: 23
club: nice
Have we been connected before? All summer! A deal seemed very likely, but then we signed Dominik Szoboszlai and cooled our interest in Thuram.
How good is he? Lots of potential but certainly not a finished product. He’s not even a defensive midfielder, he’s played there but not a lot, so he’d be a bit rough. Appropriateness? 6/10
Romeo Lavia
Age: 19
Company: Southampton
Have we been connected before? His name has been constantly mentioned since the Reds finalized deals for Mac Allister and Szoboszlai! There is certainly interest, but without any concrete movement to start a deal with Southampton.
How good is he? There is a lot of potential, but at 19 he may not be someone you would want to bet on right away and rely on all that much. He doesn’t have the experience Liverpool usually look for in young signings, but he will qualify as a homegrown player in the future which will make him a very attractive candidate.
However, Lavia meets many criteria. He picks up on challenges quickly, is comfortable under pressure, and hard to beat in a challenge. Sounds good, no! Fabinho’s ideal successor.
Aptitude? 8/10
Manu Kone
Age: 23
Company: Gladbach
Have we been connected before? Quite, although it has cooled off considerably in the last few weeks.
There have been talks with his representatives but nothing has been heard since he injured his knee while attending the Under-21 Euros with France and will be sidelined for six weeks.
How good is he? At 22, he is a pillar of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s midfield and has two years of experience behind him. A promising young player who interrupts play and pushes his side – the problem will be his injury history, that’s all Liverpool need in midfield!
Aptitude? 8/10
Joao Palhinha
Age: 28 years old
Club: Fulham
Have we ever been linked? Liverpool were credited with ‘serious’ interest in March, but we’ve heard little about it since.
what is he good He has plenty of experience, but at 28 he doesn’t fit the long-term profile Liverpool want if they part ways with one or two of their veterans. He’s strong when it comes to the defensive side of the game, but nowhere near as impressive as the others on this list when it comes to having the ball at his feet.
Appropriateness? 5/10
Florentino Luis
Age: 23
Club: Benfica
Have we been connected before? Nothing concrete, word from the scouts who attended his games and a hint of “checking” but nothing else.
How good is he? He is technically gifted and his ability to win the ball is often praised. His quick decision-making makes him an exciting defensive talent.
Showed a lot of perseverance to become a Benfica stalwart and at 23 has a lot to offer now and in the long term.
Aptitude? 7/10
Ryan Gravenburch
Age: 23
Club: Bayern Munich
Have we ever been linked? Pretty consistent all summer. He has already been mentioned by name but expressed his desire to fight for his place at Bayern.
what is he good A versatile midfielder capable of playing defensively but, like Thuram, suitable for a more advanced position.
Aptitude? 6/10
