Liverpool faces brutal $151m transfer reality amid Jordan Henderson and Fabinho verdict.
Just over three months ago, Liverpool made a decision that would completely change its summer.
Having kept a close eye on Jude Bellingham for some time, the race seemed to be heating up. The Reds were right in the mix with Real Madrid and Manchester City for the generational talent, and it was still anyone’s guess as to where he would end up.
There were more than a few things going against Liverpool by this point though. They had struggled throughout the season, the Champions League was looking like nothing more than a dream for the following campaign, and it was clear the midfield was in need of an overhaul. It was perhaps becoming apparent that one key signing might not be enough.
Then, the moment every Liverpool fan dreaded. Early in April, it emerged that Liverpool was pulling out of the race for Bellingham (as per the Independent).
Jürgen Klopp confirmed as much just a few days later (via the Mirror), and the dream was over, with Real Madrid going on to secure the most eagerly anticipated signing of the summer.
From there, it would become clear that the decision would be judged on what business Liverpool did during the summer, and up until recently, that seemed to be working in the club’s favor.
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai were signed for less than the $151m (£115m/€135m) that Bellingham could end up costing Real Madrid (as per Sky Sports) and it looked as though the midfield rebuild could even have been completed with those two additions.
Now though, Liverpool risks moving right back to square one.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Jordan Henderson has now accepted a proposal from Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq, and a move to Saudi Arabia looks as though it could be in the offing. Meanwhile, The Athletic has reported Al-Ittihad is set to make a ‘concrete bid’ of $52m (£40m/€47m) for Fabinho.
Suddenly, there’s a great sense of unease at the hole that could be left by the duo’s departure. Fans now definitely want another new midfield signing, but there’s a very valid argument that two will be needed, and one of those will need to be a marquee arrival.
Roméo Lavia appears to be an obvious choice (as per the Express), but at just 19 and with a reported price tag of $66m (£50m/€59m), it would be a risk for him to step straight into the number six role.
Supporters have suggested hijacking Chelsea’s attempts to sign Moisés Caicedo, but with Brighton demanding $131m (£100m/€117m) as per football.london, Liverpool could end up paying even more than they would have done for Bellingham.
But if they want a top-of-the-line option to replace Fabinho and Henderson, then that’s the sort of price the Reds may have to deal with. Just look at Declan Rice’s ongoing saga with Arsenal.
In hindsight, pulling out of the race for Bellingham so early on now looks as though it could have been something of a misstep. Of course, there’s absolutely no guarantee that Liverpool would have stood a chance, and it did seem as though the teenager had long made his mind up when he told the Spanish press that Real Madrid’s win over the Reds in the 2022 Champions League final had helped him come to a decision.
But even so, Liverpool seemingly didn’t give themselves an opportunity to change his mind. And as it faces the prospect of spending big on another midfielder, plenty of fans will be left thinking ‘what if?’
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