Liverpool MUST strengthen their midfield after the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia, insists Jurgen Klopp
Jurgen Klopp says it is clear Liverpool must strengthen in midfield if they are to improve on last season’s trophyless campaign, with Fabinho set to follow captain Jordan Henderson out of the club and to Saudi Arabia.
Fabinho jetted out to Dubai to finalise terms with Al Ittihad on Friday, just a day after Henderson’s controversial switch to Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq was confirmed in an emotional leaving speech.
It continues a summer theme of experienced heads leaving Anfield after James Milner and Roberto Firmino also departed — and Klopp admits the Reds must strengthen if they are to close the gap at the top of the Premier League.
‘It’s definitely important to strengthen in midfield,’ said Klopp, speaking in Singapore ahead of Liverpool’s pre-season friendly with Leicester on Sunday. ‘We have to do something, that is clear
‘We are working on solutions. First people want changes, now everyone is worrying about the changes. We are really optimistic about it. Excited as well.’
Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is the first choice to replace the outgoing duo, with the Reds poised to make a second bid for the Belgian, 19, after a first approach of £35million plus add-ons was turned down. The Championship club want £50m.
Liverpool have welcomed two midfielders to the club in Dominik Szoboszlai, from RB Leipzig, and World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, who joined from Brighton.
But Fabinho and Henderson’s exits leave them thin in midfield, after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita also departed this summer.
Virgil van Dijk will wear the armband against Leicester and is expected to take up full captaincy duties in the new season. And the Dutch defender admits that he knows he must step up as a leader.
‘Henderson is going to be a big
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