Jürgen Klopp made a courageous choice last month, allowing Fabinho to explore his options when Saudi Arabia expressed interest in his services. Despite his recent downturn, the Brazilian international was expected to start for Liverpool this season, but he was permitted to go for the Middle East.
The Reds were able to raise $50m (£40m/€46m) for his services, which explains why the offer could not be refused. Selling Fabinho was the proper commercial option, but Klopp set himself a hurdle by doing so, as the South American midfielder must now be replaced on Merseyside.
Liverpool has been looking for an heir to his kingdom since the 29-year-old joined Al Ittihad, with Moisés Caicedo first thought to be the man. Liverpool offered $140m (£110m/€128m) for his talents last week, but after Brighton and Hove Albion accepted, Chelsea intervened and scuttled the deal.
A deal for him has already fallen through, with Caicedo on the verge of joining Stamford Bridge after passing his medical on Monday afternoon. Caicedo was Liverpool’s first choice, but Klopp will now have to look at other options as he tries to fill his gaping midfield void.
With the window set to close at the end of the month, the Reds are effectively out of alternatives. Southampton’s Roméo Lavia remains a target, although he appears set to join Chelsea as well (The Athletic). And, given his age, the Belgian sensation is ill-equipped to succeed Fabinho as Liverpool’s primary firefighter at Anfield.
Declan Rice joined Arsenal from West Ham United earlier in the transfer window, and the Hammers replaced him with Ajax’s Edson lvarez, who Klopp might have signed. Sofyan Amrabat has been available for a move away from Fiorentina all summer, but Liverpool is steering clear of the Moroccan international, who is expected to join Manchester United.
There aren’t many contenders for the open position, but Cheick Doucouré now has the credentials to be near the top of the list.
The Crystal Palace midfielder was linked with Liverpool earlier this summer (through The Athletic), but nothing came of it as the Eagles reportedly demanded $89m (£70m/€81m) for his signature (via the Daily Mail), which was simply too much for the Reds to accept.
Klopp has since bid $140m (£110m/€128m) for Caicedo. The South American did not sign a contract at Anfield, but the bid indicates that Liverpool has the funds to make a huge deal this month, with Doucouré potentially inexpensive.
The Malian international isn’t exactly a household name in Europe, but at only 23 years old and with Premier League experience, he appears to be one of the few who checks off many of the boxes related to Liverpool’s quest.
Doucouré has started at least 33 league games in each of his last three seasons in England and France, and it’s worth mentioning that in his final season with Lens before joining Crystal Palace, he established himself as a capable forward passer in Ligue 1. In fact, he finished sixth in the division for progressive passes and sixth in the division for progressive carries, demonstrating his proactive character.
In his first Premier League season with Crystal Palace, he finished fifth in tackles and interceptions, trailing ball-winning midfielders such as Caicedo, Rice, and Joo Palhinha. Doucouré is a well-rounded prospect with the ability to adequately replace Fabinho this season.
He is currently pricey, but as evidenced by the recent eye-watering bid for Caicedo, Liverpool has the funds to make a deal.
