Liverpool looked set to land Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo but were gazumped by Chelsea in a dramatic transfer standoff.
What does this mean for Liverpool‘s transfer plans? Jurgen Klopp has already taken a scalpel to his midfield, selling Fabinho and Jordan Henderson while bringing in Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis McAllister.
A host of other midfielders, including James Milner and Naby Keita, also left Anfield at the end of their contracts, as did forward Roberto Firmino.
Caicedo was meant to be the final piece of the midfield puzzle, but they will have to go back to the drawing board. They are likely to make another acquisition to bolster their options in the middle of the park, as well as offload a couple of players. Here are some transfers they can complete this month.
Transfers Liverpool can still make in the transfer window:
In: Romeo Lavia
Liverpool have been trying to make a deal happen all summer, but Southampton have been playing hard ball, rejecting two bids. Lavia was one of the few players who impressed for the Saints as they were relegated last season. The Belgian is still on 19-years-old, though, and would represent something of a gamble for the touted £50 million transfer fee.
But here’s the plot twist: Chelsea are now pursuing Lavia, too, and have reportedly tabled a bid worth £55m. It would be an utter disaster to miss out on both of their midfield targets in one week after Chelsea exposed their weaknesses in that area during the 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Carragher criticises Liverpool pursuit of Lavia
Out: Caoimhín Kelleher
The Irish goalkeeper is one of the best backups in the Premier League, which is exactly why he needs to leave in order to advance his career. Potential destinations are drying up fast, however. Brentford have sold David Raya, but look set to install Mark Flekken as their number one. Other clubs who have lost first-team goalkeepers, including Brighton, Chelsea and Tottenham, have already found replacements.
In: Andre Trindade
Liverpool are considering alternatives to Lavia should they fail to convince Southampton to part ways. Brazilian midfielder Andre Trindade is reportedly on their list of candidates to bolster their squad. Media reports in Brazil claim that a £21.5m offer is expected this week for the Fluminense player.
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Out: Nat Phillips
Nat Phillips appears to have fallen off Jurgen Klopp’s radar during pre-season and a move away from Anfield seems likely. The defender has been linked with a £10m transfer to Leeds United, while other clubs in the Championship, Germany and Netherlands are also said to be interested.
In: Marc Guehi
Speaking of defenders, Liverpool have been linked with several centre-backs this summer. It’s an area of the pitch where one injury could really test their depth. Liverpool are reportedly interested in Marc Guehi, who has been a consistent performer since swapping Chelsea for Crystal Palace two years ago. A member of England’s U17 World Cup-winning side, he has won four senior caps for the Three Lions.
