Liverpool may still be looking for ace who went better than Moisés Caicedo as FSG bend transfer rule

With Liverpool failing to secure the signing of Moisés Caicedo for Chelsea, the FSG may be considering a wildcard option which goes against normal transfer rules.

In recent weeks, Jürgen Klopp has been on the hunt for a new number six after deciding to transfer Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia. After making progress in finding him, he basically squared off on a Monday morning. The German boss identified Moisés Caicedo as his man and offered $139m (£110m/€128m) last week but now a move has failed.

Brighton and Hove Albion accepted the offer, but rivals Chelsea declined to be defeated in the battle to sign him. The Blues have managed to muster a little more to take him to Stamford Bridge this summer. Caicedo was the man Liverpool wanted but Klopp must now look elsewhere as he struggles to fill the void in midfield.

It remains to be seen who will replace Fabinho, but with the transfer window ending in around two weeks, FSG are working against the clock. The market to keep midfielders is small at the moment which is why Liverpool may be forced to explore a curved option in João Palhinha.

The Portuguese midfielder was a relatively unknown player around 12 months ago, having just enjoyed a prosperous season at Sporting. It was Fulham who recognized his abilities on the pitch, with compatriot Marco Silva making him their big summer signing.

Palhinha moved to England and quickly established himself as a true pivot for the Cottagers. He actually made his Premier League debut against Liverpool and he showed his presence by dominating the center of the park and helping Fulham to a surprising 2-2 draw.

As the season progressed, Palhinha continued to impress and was eventually recognized as one of England’s finest defensive players. He’s the type of player who tends to slip under the radar without making headlines, but still makes a positive contribution.

Joao Palhinha

In fact, he recorded more tackles and interceptions than any other player in the entire Premier League last season, ahead of Caicedo, who moved to Chelsea, in second place. Palhinha portrayed himself as a truly destructive chap at Craven Cottage, but one who can also play with the ball at his feet.

Klopp was keen to keep him in check when Liverpool faced Fulham at Anfield earlier this year, and he said so after the game. Darwin Núñez had the job of looking after him when the Reds had to defend, but he was often distracted.

“In the beginning you could see that defending the center against Fulham is very important because Palhinha is there and that’s their connector, it takes [him] to the ball. That, but he wanted to go for everyone and he was like a racehorse.”

The big problem with his profile is his age as he is now 28 with Liverpool and FSG usually favoring players aged 26 and under. This big drawback could explain why Klopp has instead targeted Caicedo, who is just 21 years old.

However, it’s worth noting that despite his age, Palhinha hasn’t played much football during his career, meaning his legs may be fresher than expected. He has only managed to play around 16,500 minutes on the pitch at club level, meaning he has played around half as often as Fabinho, who is less than two years his senior.

At the time of his departure, Fabinho had around 37,000 minutes in his legs at club level, with Manchester United’s Casemiro – considered one of the best – now at around 33,000 club minutes at the age of 31. Palhinha, while not particularly young, still has a lot going for it in comparison.

The Portugal international is currently injured but despite his fitness setback, Liverpool could bet on him as Klopp struggles to replace Fabinho at Anfield. Palhinha has the qualities to change a team’s skills on the defensive side of the game and he could be achievable in the coming weeks.

Fulham’s kingpin is hiding as a wildcard option. FSG just have to change their usual transfer criteria.

More news…….

Roy Keane compares Liverpool to Man Utd, Newcastle, Arsenal, and Chelsea in the top four competition.

Liverpool secured a hard-fought point in Sunday’s Premier League opener after being held 1-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It was an action-packed game as both teams were denied a goal and Liverpool had to register a second-half VAR penalty.

It’s been just one game and the Reds have already had heart-pounding drama. We can only expect this season to continue as it started, with many twists and turns, especially when it comes to fighting for the top 4.

Last season, Liverpool struggled to maintain consistent form and failed to qualify for the Champions League. They finished fifth after the last game of the season, which was canceled by Manchester United and Newcastle, both certainly another challenge.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Roy Keane admitted he sees another triumph for Manchester City at the top of the table, but says there is “a lot of competition” when it comes to battling for a top-four finish.

“I said before, unless they really drop out and get seriously injured or lose that hunger, other teams have a chance, but I don’t see anyone competing with Manchester City. I think United will be in the top four, look at L ‘Arsenal have improved, look at Newcastle, Villa will respond well [to defeat].

“Liverpool, Chelsea – there’s a lot of competition, but for a lot of these teams it’s the top four and that includes United. Newcastle are definitely in contention for the top four. I think they’ve gotten stronger, their recruiting has been great.”

Immediate rivals Liverpool have strengthened considerably in the transfer market this summer, making plenty of signings. The Reds got off to a good start after signing Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, but the sudden departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho left Jurgen Klopp struggling to sign replacements for the now decadent and worrying midfielder.