Liverpool plans to pursue a different midfielder this summer as talks with Al Ittihad on the move of Fabinho proceed.
After five years with the Reds, the Brazilian is anticipated to leave Anfield as Jurgen Klopp’s midfield undergoes another makeover.
The arrival of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton and Leipzig, respectively, offers a different issue for Jorg Schmadtke and his hiring staff than Fabinho’s departure does.
It won’t be simple for Liverpool to find a new number six who can fit right into their midfield. So who ought they to sign? Our contributors offer their opinions.
‘Palhinha wouldn’t need much persuading, I’m sure.’
Ian Doyle: Liverpool likely believed they had resolved their primary midfield issue in time for the start of preseason, and any additional arrivals would have been considered a bit of forward planning.
But now, the possibility of losing Fabinho has changed everything. This leaves the Reds with a straightforward decision to make: do they adhere to the plan and look for a long-term replacement, or do they go after a more urgent replacement?
Romeo Lavia, a favorite target, may be acquired from Southampton, which would allow them to accomplish both goals, however it would be asking a lot of a 19-year-old with little prior Premier League experience.
Lavia or a player with a comparable profile will still be on the Reds’ wish list, but if they decide to go with a more experienced addition, they would be wise to pursue Joao Palhinha of Fulham.
The Portuguese international certainly made a big impression after going to Craven Cottage last year, setting the tone with his performance in the 2-2 home draw against Liverpool on the first day. He also has enough experience at the top level.
He has played defensive midfield for practically the whole of his career, and his statistics provide compelling proof that he is more than just a capable worker for the Reds.
The problems, of course, are Palhinha’s age (he turned 28 last week) and the fact that Fulham would demand a hefty sum for his services after rejecting a £45 million offer from West Ham on Monday. Palhinha wouldn’t require much persuasion to join Liverpool, though, if Liverpool can outbid the Hammers with a little larger offer.
Go all out and sign Florentino Luis
Joe Rimmer: It was never going to be easy for Liverpool to decline £40 million for Fabinho, but there is no doubt that Jorg Schmadtke will be put to the test.
The Brazilian, who plays in a slightly unusual position for Liverpool, is an experienced player who will be difficult to replace.
Defensive midfielders are difficult to find and, when they do relocate, they frequently command high salaries. Take a look at Declan Rice or Enzo Fernandez; both players have recent salaries of more than £100 million. When he joined Manchester United last summer, Casemiro cost them £70 million. At the time, he was thirty.
It implies that Liverpool won’t find an affordable replacement for Fabinho. With even names like Palhinha and Romeo Lavia carrying hefty price tags.
Therefore, even if it costs them a lot of money, I’d want to see Liverpool splash out and get a top talent. The Reds should choose someone like Florentino Luis because they will have £40 million put aside for Fabinho and his wages will be off the books.
The young Portuguese player is among the best in his position for long-distance pass completion rate, tackles, and interceptions, and he appears destined to be the next intriguing prospect to emerge from Benfica.
Even if Liverpool could lower his £103 million release clause, he wouldn’t be cheap, but he’d be an interesting, long-term alternative to replace Fabinho.
“Ibrahim Sangare is a respectable alternative”
Ste Killen: If Liverpool was considering bringing in a third player this summer, they need to put all of their attention right now on that player.
The imminent departure of Fabinho, a key component of Jurgen Klopp’s midfield, presents a challenge. Back-up was required for the former Monaco man even before it became known that Al Ittihad had a serious interest in the Brazilian. Now he needs to be completely replaced.
The issue is that there aren’t many defensive midfielders out there, and even more problematically, none who are both available and as good as Fabinho. However, Liverpool is now compelled to take action.
Romeo Lavia of Southampton has drawn attention throughout the transfer window, and as backup, he is a good choice to fill in for the 29-year-old. His lack of professional experience, though, raises concerns about his ability to establish himself as a legitimate starter for Liverpool starting in August.
In recent years, Ibrahim Sangare has been linked to both Liverpool and a move to the Premier League. Nottingham Forest was one of the teams attempting to sign the PSV Eindhoven midfielder this summer.
Given the significance of the position, a 25-year-old with more than 130 Eredivisie games, 199 of them as a defensive midfielder, appears a viable alternative for Liverpool.
According to reports, Forest has already contacted the Dutch team about the £30 million midfielder. The chance to sign a player with his level of expertise for less than £50 million in the current market for pricey midfielders can’t be passed up.
