Jordan Henderson’s imminent move to the Saudi Pro League, where he could earn an eye-watering weekly sum of £700,000, has sparked a host of concerns and moral dilemmas.
However, when news broke of the interest in Fabinho, the dangerous decision Jurgen Klopp and his team had to make suddenly became clear.
The departures of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita had been arranged months in advance and were key to the renewal of the midfield with the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
A shock exit for the Liverpool captain wouldn’t be ideal, but it can still be endured. But losing Fabinho and starting the campaign that starts on August 13 with a completely different midfield trio could also pose dangers.
On a very basic level, Liverpool could lose a total of 45 years of Anfield experience this summer as Henderson and Fabinho join the ranks of first-team stars already out the door.
Jordan Henderson could make a shock move to the Saudi Pro League if a fee can be agreed
Liverpool expect a bid of around £40 million for Fabinho, who joined the club in 2018
Jurgen Klopp will have to decide whether it’s worth cashing in on the aging pair this summer
That’s not years of sports. Those are years spent playing for Liverpool, one of the world’s biggest clubs, dealing with the constant spotlight and pressure to compete for top honours.
The German, and by extension his team, have been a beacon of stability, even as the turbulence of last season’s performance threatened to throw them off course.
But now, awaiting a campaign that promised redemption, are they about to wipe out the opportunity for big gains in 2023-2024?
Turning down Liverpool’s tired old midfield was the biggest and easiest stick to beat the Reds with last season.
The average age of Klopp’s side was the third highest in the division at 27.2, but slightly younger than the previous season. Several key players in different positions seemed to be on their last legs.
Fabinho, who joined the club following their 2018 Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, was foremost among them. The Brazilian’s form fell off the proverbial cliff last season, losing his place in the starting line-up to the younger Stefan Bajcetic.
The 29-year-old rediscovered a form of form towards the end of the season as Klopp changed possession and found a mate for Fabinho in deep midfield.
This system helped the Reds win seven of their last nine games as they drafted a late charge for Champions League qualification, which ultimately proved futile.
Fabinho lost his place in the starting line-up around the turn of the year after a sad performance
Young Stefan Bajcetic enjoyed a run in the first team after last season’s World Cup
Still, the former Monaco man appeared to have saved his Liverpool career with that brief stint, but Liverpool’s interest in Southampton’s Romeo Lavia and their apparent willingness to accept an approach from Al Ittihad point to a different outcome.
In Lavia, the Reds see an exciting prospect who at the age of 19 caught the attention of the Saints on his debut in the Premier League.
The Belgian is a much more dynamic player than the languid Brazilian, with impressive numbers for tackles, interceptions and successful take-ons. Although she stands at 5 ft 11, Lavia’s air skills are vastly inferior to Fabinho’s.
And his clearances, pass attempts and pass completions are all well below those of the veteran Liverpool midfielder – acknowledging the differences in their side’s tactics.
There is little doubt that Lavia will grow into an outstanding talent, but confirming his superior fitness and ability compared to Fabinho is a tall order at this point in their respective careers.
Fabinho’s case essentially boils down to whether or not he finished at elite level, was last season just a slump or the first signs of serious decline? While Henderson’s situation at age 33 is less clear.
When Milner left the club earlier in the window, several players and staff went to great lengths to emphasize that the 37-year-old was not just now admired and feared for his leadership skills. He has also contributed greatly to the quality of the team.
Henderson has made 492 appearances for Liverpool and has won seven trophies as captain
Romeo Lavia (L) and Moises Caicedo (R) are two of the midfield options for Jürgen Klopp’s side
Not to cast shade on a modern icon of the club, but that description fits Henderson much better. The Liverpool captain made 35 Premier League appearances last season and continued to influence well into his 12th season at Anfield.
With the arrival of Szoboszlai, his playing time will decrease. Still, Milner’s departure could have given him a new role. Captain of the club. Culture setter. Trophy lifter.
Renewed interest in Nice’s Khephren Thuram or entering the race for £100 million-rated Moises Caicedo could fill the tactical gap, but there is no action this summer that could remedy the organisation’s brain drain.
The Reds appeared to have completed their rebuilding mission, but the sale of Henderson and Fabinho will necessitate further forays into the market and make them dependent on players who are untested on the system and unproven in their new environment.