Liverpool can sign Jordan Henderson replacement for just £20m as Lavia take Fabinho position

Liverpool are to replace Jordan Henderson after his captain leaves for Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool may still need to sign another midfielder even if they trap Romeo Lavia to replace Fabinho as the starting number 6. The Brazilian is the fifth first-team midfielder to leave Anfield this summer, while Jurgen Klopp has only added Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister to his squad so far.

If Lavia joins for around £50m it will take the Reds spending to around £160m meaning the budget could be tight despite bringing in around £50m by selling captain Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi clubs Arabian. But The Athletic reports that Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams is available for just £20m. That’s thanks to an escape clause in the contract he agreed to when he moved to Elland Road 12 months ago. Statistically, Adams has what it takes to be a monster, especially if he were to work under Klopp. He is excellent in pressing, defensive duels and progressive passing.

The 24-year-old also has the Red Bull coaching that Liverpool love so much. Adams was a regular for MLS side New York Red Bulls for two seasons before becoming a pressing pundit at RB Leipzig, where he spent four years before moving to Leeds for £20m plus add-ons. As Leeds were relegated last season, Adams was arguably their best player and their chances of staying up were certainly hampered by his season-ending injury in March. The United States international is also captain of his national team after leading the Americans at last winter’s World Cup in Qatar and fits the right profile in terms of age and experience.

There’s a lot to admire about the player – he can play as both a right-back and a defensive midfielder. He seems like a handy replacement for Henderson, handy as the younger version of the captain when he was more energetic and one of the team’s most pressing triggers.

However, the issue that could stall Adams’ move is his injury record. He has suffered from muscle problems regularly since the 2018/19 season and is currently recovering from a hamstring problem which required surgery in March. He won’t be in good shape at the start of the new season. Manager Daniel Farke said of Adams and teammate Jack Harrison: “They’re still in rehab, so they’re definitely going to miss the start of the season.” It’s a little too early to say when they’ll be back. I expect to come back maybe after the first international break [in September].

That might be enough to deter Liverpool from Adams despite the affordable price tag. Klopp and his team were frustrated with the poor availability of Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. Oxlade-Chamberlain joined the Anfield team in 2017, with Keita signing a year later. Both left the club on free transfers this summer after making 94 Premier League starts in total. Fabinho alone is leaving the club after making 128 league starts in five seasons.

While Adams would primarily compete as a squad player, his injury record is a big question mark given Klopp’s need for available players. Given the physical demands he places on his midfielders, Klopp needs robust players. But if Liverpool are looking to bolster their options in the engine room at a reasonable price, Adams might still be worth the gamble given his suitability otherwise.

More news……..

As it was, the manager claims the £50 million Liverpool target will play for him today.

Romeo Lavia is expected to play in today’s exhibition match between Southampton and AZ Alkmaar.

Prior to their preseason match, Saints manager Russell Martin told the team that the lineup would remain the same as it did in Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to Bournemouth.

Lavia received a starting spot as Southampton played the Cherries at St. Mary’s Stadium despite Liverpool’s £40 million bid for the midfielder earlier this week.

Lavia was taken off at halftime after it became apparent that he was “coasting” and had his attention elsewhere during the first half.

Martin, however, has the option of restarting him this afternoon even though a transfer to Anfield is still unlikely. The Reds have not yet submitted a second offer for the Belgian and are waiting for Fabinho to leave the club before they resume their pursuit.

Liverpool was initially eager to sign Lavia in time for tomorrow’s match against Leicester City in Singapore, but they still appear to be far from confirming his potential arrival as the midfielder is still on the south coast this weekend.

Fabinho has already passed his medical with Al-Ittihad, so his departure from Merseyside may be official within the next few days. Lavia might join Liverpool before their game against Bayern Munich, but he might stay in England and play in their final preseason match on August 7 against Darmstadt.

It is urgent that Liverpool and Southampton work out a deal for Lavia.

Romeo Lavia’s personal terms have already been established, so Liverpool should be able to complete a deal for him quickly after their bid is accepted.

With just two weeks until their Premier League debut against Chelsea, the Reds must reach that point as soon as possible.

Lavia might only appear in one preseason game with his new teammates if he misses the Bayern Munich match. It would be unlikely at that point for him to make his Blues debut.

Jurgen Klopp’s midfield options may be constrained by Thiago’s recent injury concerns. Curtis Jones’ return to last season’s form will be eagerly anticipated by the German.