Liverpool FC

Outstanding £140m triple Liverpool swoop in the works as Klopp draws up five-man wishlist to replace Henderson, Fabinho

Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure, left, is challenged by Liverpool’s Fabinho during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield stadium in Liverpool

Liverpool are reportedly planning to sign three more midfielders this summer amid claims deals for Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have now both been agreed.

The Reds are underdoing something of a midfield revolution, with four departing at the end of last season. Indeed, while the exit of James Milner came as a bit of a surprise, farewells to Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo were more anticipated.

What Liverpool fans, however, would certainly not have predicted going into the summer window, however, was the departure of stalwarts Henderson and Fabinho.

The former, certainly, is something of an Anfield icon. The club’s longest-serving player, Henderson has been at Anfield now for 12 seasons, captaining the Reds through one of the most-successful periods in their history.

However, with Saudi Pro-League side Al Ettifaq calling, Henderson has been offered a three-year deal worth an astonishing £700,000 per week. Trebling his weekly take-home pay at Anfield, Henderson has reportedly said yes to the move.

Liverpool, however, are not playing ball quite so easily. The Saudi side’s wishes to sign him on a free have been waved away, with a £10m fee on the 33-year-old’s head.

However, Football Insider now reports that the move has now been signed off and Henderson will shortly complete the move.

He will follow Brazilian star Fabinho to the Middle East. To that, the former Monaco and Real Madrid midfielder is close to sealing a switch to Al-Ittihad for a fee of around £40m.

Prior to Henderson and Fabinho’s exit routes emerging, Liverpool were planning an extra midfield addition anyway. The Reds have already moved to bring in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for a combined £95m.

Liverpool target Romeo Lavia transfer and two more

First up for the Reds – and a deal that has been in the works for some time – is Romeo Lavia.

Liverpool have reportedly seen an opening offer of around £35m waved away by Southampton. To that end, the Championship side feel an valuation of nearer £50m is more accurate for the highly-rated teenager.

And while Liverpool feel £40m is a more accurate valuation, the sales of Fabinho and Henderson do give them some wriggle room.

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However, Football Insider also reports that Jurgen Klopp wants two more signings in addition to Lavia and as replacements for Henderson and Fabinho.

To that end, Klopp and new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke have drawn up a five-man wishlist.

And in addition to Lavia, Liverpool reportedly are back in the running to sign both Khephren Thuram and Kouadio Kone. The French duo have been on Liverpool’s radar for several weeks now. Interest, however, in the duo had seemingly cooled with the focus placed on Lavia.

But with the impending sales of both Fabinho and Henderson, Liverpool are once again exploring their potential signings.

Furthermore, a new name has been added to that list with Crystal Palace‘s Cheick Doucoure also now emerging as a serious option.

The defensive midfielder is reportedly under consideration as a possible Fabinho heir. Since signing for the Eagles last summer, the Malian has made 35 Premier League appearances. An outstanding addition to their midfield, the 23-year was named the club’s Player of the Year.

Contracted to Selhurst Park until 2027, he would not come cheap. Indeed, Palace too are likely to demand a near £50m fee.

The Merseysiders also retain an interest in another London-based midfielder in Joao Palhinha.

The Fulham star also enjoyed an outstanding 2022/23 season, comfortably topping the Premier League chart of successful tackles made.

His form has alerted West Ham – cash-rich from the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal – to his possible signing. However, their opening offer of £45m has already been knocked back by the Cottagers.

The Hammers, though, are expected to try again, despite reports Fulham rate the Portuguese star at a mindboggling £90m.

Liverpool are long-term admirers of the 27-year-old themselves and are reportedly keeping a close eye on his situation. And while they are not planning an approach just yet, it would not be a shock if their stance changes.

However, if Fulham do stand by their asking price, Liverpool would be unlikely to make an approach. Should the Hammers have a bid accepted, though, the Reds could look to match it.

And if the Reds do manage to land three more midfielders, Liverpool would be looking at a minimum £140m outlay.

Adding to the £95m invested already, that is quite the statement of intent from owners FSG.

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