FSG are set to continue their midfield spending regardless of potential outgoings.
Liverpool are “working on” more midfield signings during the summer transfer window regardless of who leaves the club, and Romeo Lavia is definitely a target, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Which players are leaving Liverpool?
The Reds are going through a tumultuous time of things at the moment, with a huge amount of drama seemingly happening in their midfield.
Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all departed Anfield after their contracts expires last month, while Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have joined from Brighton and RB Leipzig respectively, which certainly seem like positive moves.
All of a sudden however, a fresh twist has seen both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho strongly linked with moves to Saudi Arabia, while Thiago has been backed to make a return to Barcelona before the 2023/24 season gets underway.
Liverpool clearly struggled greatly in the middle of the park last season, with the lack of legs and quality in that area playing a key role in the Reds finishing fifth in the Premier League, but such drastic changes as this still could leave a mark.
Now, a new update has emerged regarding Liverpool’s midfield situation – one that suggests the Merseysiders’ incoming transfer business is far from over this summer.
What’s the latest on Liverpool’s midfield signings?
Writing on Twitter, Romano said that the Reds are still eyeing a move for highly-rated Southampton youngster Lavia, and that he is unlikely to be the only other addition to the midfield:
“Liverpool are actively working to sign a new midfielder – this has always been the plan even before Al Ettifaq bid for Henderson. Romeo Lavia on the list since two weeks ago but still no official bid. Liverpool are also working on other options.”
This is good to hear, with the idea of Liverpool moving on so many midfielders and not plugging the gap something that would be negligent from owners FSG. If such a high amount of outgoings occurs, there simply have to be a similar number of incomings, or the Reds could again find themselves short of options in the middle of the park despite improving the average quality.
Lavia seemingly remains the top target currently, and he has the ability to be Fabinho’s long-term successor in the No.6, having performed so well there for Southampton last season despite their relegation to the Championship, averaging 2.1 tackles per match in the league.
There is an element of sense in selling Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago, should the right offers come along, but equally, moving on all three feels like too big a change, having a negative impact on the experience within the squad, especially with Milner, Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain all not around, too.
Selling one and keeping two feels like the most sensible option, with the remaining pair staying on as a squad options rather than regular starters, with Mac Allister and Szoboszlai going straight into the first-choice starting lineup alongside hopefully one other new face.
It is going to be massive period in Liverpool’s summer coming up, and with the new Premier League season not too far away now, these issues have to be resolved sooner rather than later, in order for Jurgen Klopp’s men to be primed for an assault on the title.
Henry is an experienced football writer with a huge passion and knowledge of the game.
With over a decade of writing under his belt, he has been part of Snack Media’s freelance team since 2020. He is also a main contributor for This Is Anfield, one of the world’s biggest Reds-related sites, where he writes features and news, and covers matchday content, from live blogs to the dreaded Player Ratings.
Henry is a Liverpool fan, which you may have guessed, and has also written articles for the Times and the Guardian, as well as featured on the radio on BBC Radio 5 Live and LBC.
Over the years, he has also accumulated nearly 30,000 followers on Twitter and become a known voice on all things Reds.
The Portugal international looks set to be on the move this summer.
joao felix
Aston Villa are one of three Premier League sides to have made contact to sign Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix this summer.
What’s the latest Aston Villa transfer news?
NSWE have handed Unai Emery a “huge” summer budget this summer ahead of the Spaniard’s first full season in charge, with Villa set to play in the Europa Conference League following a fine second half to the 2022/23 campaign.
New faces have already been brought in both on and off the pitch, with Monchi arriving as the club’s new president of football operations and will work closely with Emery in the transfer market.
Midfielder Youri Tielemans was the first player to pen Villa Park terms this summer after his deal with Leicester City expired, whereas big money has been spent on centre-back Pau Torres from Villarreal. The defender has cost Villa in the region of €33m, and it appears as if attention is now turning to attacking reinforcements.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby is one player who has been linked with a move to the Midlands, with the Bundesliga side rejecting Villa’s opening €45m offer.
Felix, who spent the second half of last season on loan with Chelsea, is seemingly another target, with reports suggesting Villa were the favourites for his signature. Another update has now emerged on the forward, who picks up a huge £240,000 per week with Atletico.
Sport Witness relayed an update from Spain in the last 48 hours regarding Villa and Felix. They claimed that Villa, along with Newcastle United and Manchester United, have all made contact over a potential move.
Felix has asked his agent, Jorge Mendes, to find him a new club over the coming weeks, and Atletico Madrid seem to be happy for the Portugal international to move on, however, the player would reportedly like Champions League football next season, something Newcastle and Man United can offer.
How good is Joao Felix?
Felix has been hailed as “sensational” by members of the media and can play on the left-hand side, as a centre-forward or in a deeper role as a second striker, so would offer plenty of versatility to Emery’s side. Cristiano Ronaldo has also praised the forward in the past, saying:
“Can he [Felix] repeat my successes in Spain? I believe that a lot because he is an excellent player with a lot of potential who can evolve.”
The 23-year-old has contributed to 52 goals in 131 games for Atletico Madrid during his four-year stay, and before that, scored 20 times and registered 11 assists in 41 appearances for Benfica.
He netted four times in 20 games for Chelsea last season, and over the past 365 days, has been compared to the likes of Lionel Messi and Marcus Rashford, as per FBref. Felix ranks in the top 4% of forwards for shots per 90, top 2% for through balls and even top 8% for tackles, showing how he wouldn’t just bring goals to the Midlands, but by the looks of things, a deal could be tricky for Villa to complete despite firming up their interest after making contact.
