Liverpool’s pursuit of midfield reinforcements has intensified with the impending departure of Jordan Henderson. The Reds have reportedly reached an agreement with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq for the transfer of the 33-year-old midfielder, reuniting him with former teammate and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, now the manager of Al-Ettifaq.
Adding to Liverpool’s concerns is the potential departure of Fabinho, who has received a tempting £40 million offer from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad. Fabinho’s absence was already evident as he was not part of the first-team squad during their pre-season fixture against Karlsruher in Germany.
As the Brazilian midfielder’s departure looms, Liverpool’s focus has shifted towards finding suitable replacements for both Henderson and Fabinho. The club has already made early moves in the transfer window, securing signings like Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.
Among the potential targets, Marco Verratti has emerged as a surprising candidate for Liverpool’s midfield woes. The Italian midfielder has been a pivotal figure at Paris Saint-Germain for over a decade. Recent reports indicate that all players at PSG are available for transfer this summer, potentially making Verratti accessible for the right offer.
At 30 years old, Verratti may not fit the typical profile of a Liverpool signing, but his experience and skill set could be valuable assets for the team. However, securing the services of the Italian maestro would likely come with a significant transfer fee, given that he still has three years remaining on his contract with PSG.
Liverpool fans may recall Verratti facing the Reds only once in a competitive match during the group stages of their triumphant 2018/19 Champions League campaign. Although he missed the thrilling 3-2 encounter at Anfield, Verratti returned for the rematch in Paris and spoke highly of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
The pursuit of Verratti poses both opportunities and challenges for Liverpool. While his talent and experience could significantly bolster their midfield, the financial aspect and competition from other clubs may present hurdles in completing the deal.
As the summer transfer window progresses, Liverpool’s hierarchy must carefully evaluate their options and determine the best course of action to strengthen their midfield. Whether it’s Marco Verratti or other potential targets like Romeo Lavia, Ryan Gravenberch, or Cheick Doucoure, finding the right addition will be crucial in maintaining their competitiveness in domestic and European competitions. The pressure is on for Liverpool to make smart decisions and secure the necessary reinforcements to achieve their ambitions in the upcoming season.
