Niall Corcoran takes a look at what Fabinho’s arrival early in the summer transfer window means for Liverpool moving forward.
Liverpool have signed Fabinho with almost no indication of the player being on Klopp’s shopping list – a very nice surprise for Reds fans after Champions League final heartbreak two days prior.
Fans were also pleased to see that Liverpool were happy to spend a bit more money than usual on a player that was believed by most, to be an important addition, with Fabinho costing the Reds an estimated £43m.
However, what does this mean for Liverpool? And who else is likely to be on Liverpool’s shopping list?
Liverpool fans will be happy to see that the club has spent big at the beginning of the window and will hopefully start as they mean to go on. This is a big statement from the Anfield outfit, with the aim to improve weak areas of the squad.
However, the question is: who else are the Reds targeting this summer? One name regularly discussed is Alisson Becker.
Fans have been longing for a new man to get between the Anfield goalposts and after Karius’ unfortunate performance in the Champions League final, it just might be the last straw for Jürgen Klopp.
Alisson seems to be who the Reds are turning to. This, like Fabinho will be no cheap transfer, with Brazilian reportedly going to cost £79 million,
Another goalkeeper the Reds’ are believed to be after is Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak. The Serbian is a potential alternative to Allison and has been more than impressive this season, playing 34 games in La Liga, with 21 of those being clean sheets – this could be due to Atletico’s impressive back four.
His penchant for earning clean sheets is something that could bring extra confidence to Liverpool’s defence – a side of the Reds’ game that could still improve despite van Dijk’s influence on the side since January.
Another player set to join Liverpool during this transfer window is Frenchman Nabil Fekir. The Lyon playmaker has spoken out on many occasions about his potential future at Liverpool. He recently said: “If Fabinho is to be my future teammate? I will discuss my future after the World Cup, not before.”
It seems that Fekir is wanting to focus on the World Cup with France before any advanced talks take place with Liverpool or any other clubs. With Fabinho already at the club and Naby Keita on his way, the Reds’ midfield will be on another level next season.
Liverpool have been very good this past season, and I’m sure most fans are proud of what the side achieved. However, this doesn’t mean there aren’t areas of the squad that need strengthening – as shown at different points throughout the season.
A new midfielder and goalkeeper seem to be the most important to the club and fans at the moment. With Emre Can’s expected departure and Karius’ mistakes, the club seems focused on these positions.
With Fabinho already secured, who would you like to see Liverpool target?
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