When Liverpool announced the departures of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita at the end of last season, very few fans batted an eyelid. Both players received their fair share of criticism over the last few season and over time it became clear that neither would be a key player in Jurgen Klopp’s first-team squad.
We all saw it as an opportunity to strengthen our squad – a chance for an upgrade – bringing in a couple of new midfielders to replace them and push harder next season. Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai were those players and generally we were all happy with both signings.
However, nobody saw what was coming next – an exodus of players being lured from Europe to Saudi Arabia.
It wasn’t long until Liverpool players were being linked with a move east. Unsurprisingly, Mo Salah was the first to be rumoured, but that rumour soon fizzled out. Next, it was Jordan Henderson, then Fabinho. Both players now look to be on their way out of the club and thus the hunt for new midfielders continues.
It now also looks like Thiago could be on his way back to Spain. When fit he is the second-best midfielder in the Premier League but unfortunately, he is far too often injured. His departure will be a blow if he does go, but the urgent need for replacements will intensify and, when that happens, the transfer fees get higher. We need to be getting new players in as soon as possible, so they can bond with the squad during pre-season and hit the ground running next month.
Let’s hope FSG have deep pockets this summer!
