Jurgen Klopp identifies 'remarkable' Liverpool star likely to replace Fabinho
Jurgen Klopp believes that Curtis Jones is capable of stepping into the No.6 role after Fabinho's departure from Liverpool was officially confirmed on Monday.
The Brazilian enforcer, 29, won the Premier League and the Champions League during his stint at Anfirled, where he established himself as an integral member of Klopp's team. But Fabinho's five-year spell on Merseyside is now over following his £40million switch to Al-Ittihad.
Fabinho's exit comes just days after Jordan Henderson also completed a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League - leaving the Reds short on midfield options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, which kicks off in under a fortnight.
Liverpool are expected to dip into the transfer market to replace the outgoing duo after already completing deals for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. But Jones, who impressed at the tail end of the season in midfield, has also been identified as somebody capable of filling the 'Fabinho role'.
Speaking at a press conference in Singapore, Klopp said: “In this actual set up how we have it and how the squad looks, he [Jones] is one of the options definitely. I think it’s no secret that we are still looking for players to join us, that’s one thing and the other is using what you have and I think Curtis can absolutely play that position.
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“Can he play it when no one else is defending in the team? No, no chance. But then I don’t know any player who can do that. But if you really understand the situation how it is in this moment, a proven 6 is not available in the moment, do we make an excuse for that? During the season a lot of things can happen, it was always the case. We see it as a challenge and try to find a way to be compact anyway.”
Join the debate! Do you agree with Klopp on Jones, Liverpool fans? Let us know here.
Jurgen Klopp believes Curtis Jones is capable of playing as a No.6 for Liverpool (Suhaimi Abdullah/NurPhoto)He continued: “In possession there’s no doubt Curtis can have a massive impact from that position. I think his development in the last few months, since he’s with us is really remarkable. Held back by some injuries in the wrong moment, too long. Nobody’s fault, [it] just happens with young players. Before that the steps he made were really good.
“Having him on the pitch makes sense. In this position, if nobody else is there he can play that definitely.”
Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia is one player who is believed to be of interest to the Reds, who were always expected to revamp their midfield options this summer. Liverpool saw an opening offer for Lavia rebuffed by Southampton last week - and The Athletic have now revealed that a second proposal which was tabled by the Reds this week, worth around £41m, has also been turned down.
The 19-year-old Belgium international couldn't prevent the Saints from getting relegated last term but he did make a major impression after joining them from Manchester City. Other top-flight clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea, are also believed to be admirers of Lavia.
It remains to be seen, though, if Liverpool will return to the table with a third bid for the youngsters services. The report outlines that the Reds are now considering alternative targets, including Fluminense midfielder Andre.
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