Invigorated by Manchester City’s lead and a potential resolution to a “freak” problem, Liverpool should adopt a daring strategy in the wake of Jordan Henderson’s departure.

Few would have predicted this outcome before the summer transfer window opened: Liverpool is about to lose both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.

While rival Al-Ettifaq is nearing a $15 million (£12 million/€14 million) deal for Henderson, Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad is poised to sign Fabinho for a fee of $52 million (£40 million/€46 million).

As a result, many supporters have demanded that Liverpool bring in two additional midfielders in addition to Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who have already joined the team.

Because Jürgen Klopp does not have access to any other established, specialized number sixs, the Reds must absolutely sign a defensive midfielder. Not only in the squad but also in the starting XI, Fabinho’s departure leaves a void.

But you can question whether getting another number eight to take Henderson’s place is really necessary. Trent Alexander-Arnold is not included in the table below because he is expected to play a hybrid role, as he did last season, but it does show the options that Klopp may already have at his disposal.

Even if you include Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva, who also play on the wings, it still leaves Klopp with seven full-time midfielders, which is more than Pep Guardiola has available at Manchester City. Perhaps this is sufficient.

Liverpool supporters would be satisfied with two players per position anywhere else in the team (they have more here), but it is understandable why they would have a different perspective on the midfield situation.

Liverpool would have lost seven midfielders and only added three, which seems fundamentally flawed with James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita leaving on free transfers, Fabinho and Henderson being sold, Fábio Carvalho being loaned out, and Arthur returning to Juventus after his loan.

Furthermore, the Reds learned from last season that, in the event of injuries, even ten midfield options may be sufficient.

However, fans should get used to players with strong availability records rather than those with pitiful injury histories like Keta, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Arthur.

While at Brighton, Mac Allister missed just four games, and Szoboszlai has missed just one game over the past two seasons — and yes, we are touching wood as we say this.

Given that Jones has missed a total of four months of action over the last two seasons, some people might be concerned, but it’s important to stress that these absences are due to ‘freak’ injuries, in the player’s own words (via Goal). He first got poked in the eye during training, and then he had to deal with the bone’s stress response.

Additionally, Harvey Elliott, who would essentially be Henderson’s replacement, seems like a solid choice.

While he was only ninth on the Liverpool team in terms of total minutes played (2,265), he was fifth in terms of appearances (46) and joint-first with Mohamed Salah in terms of matchday squad involvements (51).

More than any other player during the campaign, he also played in 41 straight games (via This is Anfield).

If Liverpool signs another player for that position, he might either get in Elliott’s way or struggle to find opportunities with two strong competitors in front of him.

Cheick Doucouré, for example, is reportedly valued at $90 million (£70 million/€81 million) by Crystal Palace, so the club is already aware that its new starting six will be pricey. It’s also important to note that the club still needs an elite young center-half talent.

Given the situation, passing on a Henderson replacement directly might be a wise choice.

More news……..

After Klopp spots £80m star who will dominate, Liverpool moves to replace Fabinho in a shocking move.

Liverpool are ready to abandon their usual transfer strategy by signing an older player who will immediately replace Fabinho.

The Reds could see their midfield ranks deflate quickly, with Al Ettifaq and Al Ittihad in talks to sign Jordan Henderson and Fabinho respectively.

Henderson has signed a three-year deal with Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq. It remains to be seen whether the Saudi team is willing to shell out £10-20m, as Liverpool are asking.

Fabinho, meanwhile, has been left out of Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Germany in a more sophisticated outing. Athletic have said the Reds could receive up to £40m for the Brazilian.

Despite a poor year, Fabinho remained in the starting lineup last season and is expected to be replaced in Klopp’s starting XI. New recruits Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are both forwards, which means an absolute midfielder is needed.

The Reds make frequent moves for players in their early twenties who they hope will grow up and spend the peak of their careers at Anfield.

Mac Allister (24), Szoboszlai (22) are recent examples, while all four of last season’s signings (Calvin Ramsay, Fabio Carvalho, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo) were 23 years of age or younger at the time of arrival. Liverpool break with tradition for Joao Palhinha

However, according to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool are considering dropping their usual tactics and switching to an older player who will make an immediate impact. According to the report, the player in the sights is Fulham’s Joao Palhinha.

The Portuguese international was a real behemoth in Marco Silva’s engine room last season. Palhinha, who just turned 28, led the league in 147 tackles.

West Ham recently saw a £45m offer for the Portuguese rejected. David Moyes’ side have plenty of money after selling Declan Rice to Arsenal and have a gaping position in midfield.

The Guardian and Sky Sports said Fulham are remarkably valuing £80million Palhinha. However, there is one bright spot for the Reds.

The Guardian added that it is understood Fulham’s £80m price tag could be a mere posturing. Instead, an offer of around £50m could be enough to secure a deal. Therefore, the onus is on Liverpool or West Ham to test Fulham’s resolve. Palhinha cost the Cottagers just £20million when he was acquired from Sporting Lisbon last summer.

Other much younger options for Liverpool include Romeo Lavia, Ryan Gravenberch and Cheick Doucour, according to Liverpool Echo.

But with Liverpool expanding the age profile of potential signings, Palhinha is now a real option.