Aiming for a generational change from the main midfield group, which averaged over 30 years of age, Liverpool made a significant upgrade from last season with the acquisitions of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who are now a lot younger.
However, the Saudis approached last season’s main group. Thiago Alcantara rejected the offer, but Jordan Henderson and Fabinho accepted the move to the Middle East, creating an unexpected vacancy.
Liverpool is negotiating with Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia as their top priority and has presented two separate offers.
Both offers fall short of the club’s demand of £50 million, but the gap is narrowing, and the club is beginning to see a path to pay the full asking price for Fabinho, according to Paul Joyce of The Times.
“Jurgen Klopp wants midfield reinforcements and Romeo Lavia has emerged as Jurgen Klopp’s prime target.”
“Liverpool had been reluctant to meet his asking price but the sale of Fabinho has changed that.”
“Klopp also wants to sign a defender.”
“Chelsea are interested in Romeo Lavia, however the player remains keen to join Liverpool.”
Chelsea is also interested in the 19-year-old defensive midfielder, but the player is said to be open to playing at Anfield, and if an agreement can be reached between the clubs, a move to Liverpool is increasingly likely.
The young Belgian midfielder, whom coach Jurgen Klopp is also keen on signing, played regularly for Southampton last season, and continued to recover the ball repeatedly with his physicality.
He can also build from the bottom of midfield with his passing, and is likely to compete with Stefan Bajcetic and others for a place in the team.
Can Liverpool bring in a midfielder of their dreams?