It looks like Chuameni is not for sale, as much as Liverpool would like it to be. Losing five would be demolition.
The imminent move of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia adds to the pressure on Liverpool to continue a radical restructuring of their central area. The speed and efficiency with which Jürgen Klopp and his recruiting team introduce the new No. 6 will determine how destabilizing it will be.
For a while, Fabinho was no worse than anyone in Europe as a specialist. At first glance, the hefty price tag from Saudi Arabia's Al Ittihad for the 29-year-old, who at times last season looked like his legs were 10 years older than the rest of his body, makes sense. With Henderson close to leaving as well, such judgment should be put on hold until an alternative proves suitable for the jersey of the modern Liverpool legend.
Fabinho began to look like his former self when Trent Alexander-Arnold's “hybrid role” ensured he wouldn't be the only shield for the vulnerable back four last season. Despite all the need for a younger model, Fabinho would be the perfect mentor to help the maturing replacement.
Alexander-Arnold may be the most obvious decision, his promotion to No. 6 would become permanent if Klopp decides to sign another right-back. The Liverpool player should also qualify for the captaincy. He'll get the bandage sooner or later. Virgil van Dijk is Henderson's natural successor, but at 32 he won't be the captain for the next 10 years and the club icon that Alexander-Arnold could have been.
Chuameni, Lavia and other players on the radar. an absurdly expensive market.
The Merseyside club has been adept at pulling rabbits out of their hats on the transfer market, often blinding those who offer hourly and sometimes creative updates on who they really want.
Several targets were in high demand. Frenchman Aurélien Chouameny was the subject of an offer from Anfield last summer. Logic dictates that Klopp needs him if Real Madrid decides to sell. If Real Madrid finally get their hands on Kylian Mbappe, they may need the money, but it looks like the saga will continue for a few more miles.
Southampton teenager Romeo Lavia has been in the spotlight all summer but there are indications that he has been named as a long-term rather than immediate replacement for Fabinho and he may be too young for such a big responsibility. However, Liverpool are not averse to downplaying the reachability of the players they will eventually sign a few weeks later – they did this prior to signing Luis Diaz and Dominik Soboslay – so the recent softening of their stance may have more to do with trying to test Southampton's £50m asking price. It still looks better than the £80m Fulham are offering for Joao Paligna, who is 28 and hardly fits the profile of Fenway Sports Group owners. more than Liverpool are willing to pay. Photo: Reuters/JOHN SIBLEY
Any mention of Calvin Phillips would be most surprising. Liverpool officials have often given the impression that they would not want to give Manchester City and a speck of dust off a football boot, let alone a few million pounds for one of their cast-offs. Based on the latest figures, Phillips doesn't look like an upgrade to Fabinho's peak, so he's at the bottom of the list of potential recruits.
Fiorentina's Fiorentina's 2022 World Cup star and Manchester United target will certainly be more to the cop's liking, and it looks like he's available at a realistic price.
Then there's Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberh, who's seen so much this summer mentioned in connection with the transfer to Liverpool. Either someone at the club really likes him, or his agent is obsessed with getting him to Anfield.
Saudi Arabia-Newcastle connection
The departures of Fabinho and Henderson were not expected until a few weeks ago. Now Saudi Arabian interests could be hurt, especially if they don't stop there. The exciting story is that Fabinho's likely new club, Al Ittihad, is backed by the Saudi Arabian State Investment Fund behind Newcastle United.
At what point does a PIF-sponsored league throwing money around to take rivals Newcastle out of the Premier League become an issue of sporting integrity? Paying the current rate for those who are past their prime is one thing. Salary offers that will change the life of a man like, say, Diaz will completely change the dynamic.
A strong case can be made to justify the departure of all five midfielders: Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, Henderson and Fabinho.
But all within three months? It's hard to sell. This is a smart buy that Liverpool need now and as soon as possible.
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