Jurgen Klopp could see Liverpool plan accelerate with unexpected double exit

04 July 2023 , 15:30

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Jurgen Klopp could see Liverpool plan accelerate with unexpected double exit

Liverpool have significantly strengthened their midfield this summer with the signings of World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is looking to rejuvenate his squad following the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain and Mac Allister and Szoboszlai may not be the only midfielders Liverpool sign before the transfer window closes. And the huge money on offer in the Saudi Pro League could force Liverpool to accelerate their midfield rebuild even more.

Both Thiago and club captain Jordan Henderson are reportedly on the radar of Saudi clubs and their potential departures would leave Liverpool needing to sign yet more midfielders. Thiago was expected to leave Anfield on a free transfer following the end of next season, but could now depart this summer.

The Athletic state that he 'features highly on the Saudi Pro League's list of elite targets' and has 'already rejected one lucrative offer'. Henderson, meanwhile, is said to be a target for Saudi side Al-Ettifaq, with the Daily Mail stating their newly appointed manager Steven Gerrard is eyeing a reunion with his former teammate.

Thiago and Jordan Henderson have been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Should either player be tempted by the riches on offer in Saudi Arabia, Liverpool would need to sign a replacement and the Telegraph are reporting that Southampton's Romeo Lavia is the next midfielder on Klopp's radar.

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The report states that 'versatile, young and multi-faceted midfielders' were Liverpool's priority heading into this window and, in the form of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, that is what they have brought in. However, a specialist number six was viewed as a more long-term addition, but the potential departures of Thiago and Henderson could force Liverpool's hand.

Lavia is expected to leave Southampton this summer following their relegation from the Premier League and, despite their disappointing campaign, he impressed. Veteran forward Theo Walcott was teammates with Lavia last season and was full of praise for the teenager's ability.

Romeo Lavia is emerging as a leading candidate to join Liverpool this summer ((Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images))

"I'm a big fan," Walcott told talkSPORT back in January. "He's obviously had a few injuries but he's coming back. He's young, he's 18/19 when he's off the field but when he's on the field, it's mad.

"It's like he's played over 200 games in the Premier League, that's how much I rate him. It's very interesting to see, watching him from the stands, obviously it looks so easy from the stands, it always does.

"You probably know that watching us, 'he should make that run or make that pass', it's not as straightforward as that but when I watch him, I'm like 'you look way above your age right now'. It's a good sign and hopefully we can keep him fit. They are all learning, but in particular he's learning quicker than normal I would say."

Matthew Cooper