Liverpool are set to target another midfielder this summer as negotiations continue with Al Ittihad for Fabinho's transfer. The Brazilian is expected to depart Anfield after five years with the Reds, as the midfield is being revamped by Jurgen Klopp.
Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai have both arrived from Brighton and Leipzig, respectively. However, Fabinho's departure represents a different challenge for Jorg Schmadtke and his recruitment team. Liverpool will need to sign a number six who can slot straight into their midfield, which is no easy task. So who should they sign?
'Palhinha probably doesn't need much persuasion.
Ian Doyle: Liverpool no doubt thought they'd got their main midfield business sorted in time for pre-season, with any further arrivalsrepresenting forward planning. Now, though, the prospect of losing Fabinho has changed all that. And it means the Reds have a simple choice: do they stick to the plan and aim for a long-term successor or pursue a more immediate replacement?
It's possible they could do both with the signing of preferred target Romeo Lavia from Southampton. However, that would put a lot on a 19-year-old with minimal Premier League experience. And while Lavia, or a player of a similar profile, will remain on the wanted list, should the Reds opt for a more tried-and-tested signing, they would do well to chase Fulham's Joao Palhinha.
Certainly, the Portugal international has made a huge impression since moving to Craven Cottage last season. He set the tone with his display in the opening day's 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool and has sufficient experience at the top level. He has spent almost the entirety of his career playing in a defensive midfield role. His numbers show more than just doing a job for the Reds.
The issues, of course, are his age (Palhinha turned 28 last week) and the fact Fulham would want a fair whack for his signature, having turned down a Ł45 million bid from West Ham. But if Liverpool can grab the Hammers with a slightly higher offer, Palhinha surely wouldn't need much persuasion to come to Anfield.
'Go big and get Florentino Luis.
Joe Rimmer: It was always going to be tough for Liverpool to turn down Ł40 million for Fabinho, but make no mistake, this is a huge test for Jorg Schmadtke.
Liverpool's sporting director has his work cut out for him in replacing a player as experienced as the Brazilian. The Brazilian plays in a unique position.
Indeed, defensive midfielders aren't easy to come by, and when they do move, they tend to demand a lot of money. See Declan Rice or Enzo Fernandez. Both players have cost over Ł100 million in six months. Casemiro, meanwhile, cost Manchester United Ł70 million last summer. He was 30 at the time.
It means Liverpoolwon't find a cheap option to replace Fabinho. With even Palhinha and Romeo Lavia having big price tags. Therefore, I'd like to see Liverpool gothe distance and get someone of the highest quality, even if it costs them a pretty penny. With Ł40 million banked for Fabinho, plus his wages off the books, the Reds should lookfor Florentino Luis.
The Portuguese youngster looks set to be the next exciting talent to emerge from Benfica. He ranks as one of the most talented players in his position for long-distance pass completion rate, tackles, and interceptions. With a Ł103 million release clause, he wouldn't come cheap, even if Liverpool could negotiate that down. However, he would provide an exciting and long-term option to succeed Fabinho.
Ibrahim Sangare is a credible option'
Ste Killen: If Liverpool were mulling over a third summer signing, they definitely need to focus on one now. The looming departure of midfield linchpin Fabinho poses a problem for Jurgen Klopp's midfield. Prior to news of Al Ittihad's strong interest in the Brazilian, backup was already needed for the former Monaco man. Now he needs to be replaced.
The problem is that there aren't many defensive midfielders out there. More importantly, ones that are both available and match Fabinho in quality But now Liverpool is forced into action.
Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia has been of interest throughout the transfer window. As cover, he is a viable option to deputize for the 29-year-old. However, his lack of experience in his professional career can raise concerns about his credibility to be established as a bona fide starter for Liverpool in August.
Ibrahim Sangare has been linked with Liverpool and Premier League moves in recent seasons. This summer, Nottingham Forest were among those trying to sign a PSV Eindhoven midfielder. For Liverpool, a 25-year-old with over 130 appearances in the Eredivisie, 199 as a defensive midfielder, seems a credible option given the role's importance.
Forest have reportedly already approached the Dutch club for the aforementioned midfielder, who has a price tag of more than Ł30 million. In the current climate of overpriced midfielders, the opportunity to sign a player below Ł50 million with his experience can't be turned down.
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