Liverpool reportedly have a January transfer target and it hints that Fabinho could have a long-term position change. The Brazilian has shown his versatility this season.
TalkSport claims Liverpool want Yves Bissouma in January. The Brighton midfielder could be a great long-term replacement for Gini Wijnaldum.
In fact, we think he was very impressive against Liverpool last Saturday. Bissouma did it in a way that suggests he really could replace the Dutchman.
But a January arrival would hint at something else – a long-term position change for Fabinho.
Versatile
Liverpool’s defensive injury crisis has pushed Fabinho back into defence. That’s not his natural position, of course, and while he has a history at right-back, he’s not know as a centre-half.
But right now, him and Joel Matip are the only real senior options there. It makes you think Liverpool might sign a new centre-half in January – but they might go in another direction.
Fabinho being in defence lightens the options in midfield. It means he’s not there to shield the defence and either Jordan Henderson or Gini Wijnaldum need to move across.
Signing a defender means he could move back for most games but with Bissouma, we’d see the opposite.
Liverpool might sign a defence-minded midfielder and keep Fabinho as a centre-half. We know Bissouma can help shield a defence – he won eight tackles against Liverpool.
And it’s perfect in terms of timing.
Fabinho can stay in defence while Bissouma takes his spot in midfield. Then when Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez are back, Fabinho can move forward again.
And Bissouma can take over from the departing Wijnaldum, meaning Liverpool never have too many players for any position.
It would mean Fabinho becomes a long-term centre-half option this season, though. He wouldn’t just be in the role until Liverpool sign January cover.
But perhaps that’s for the best. This way could be the most economical for Liverpool, if everything works out.
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