Liverpool were urged to go after Boubacar Kamara in the event they couldn’t sign Moises Caicedo or Romeo Lavia.
The Reds became embroiled in a dog-fight with Chelsea for both Caicedo and Lavia two weeks ago, losing out on both.
But according to The Athletic, Liverpool’s analysts did in fact put forward a third name for them to have a go at signing: Villa’s French international Kamara.
There were likely other names on the shortlist too, but it’s claimed that these three players in particular were earmarked as data-smart replacements for Fabinho.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool make a last-ditch attempt to bring Kamara in. But having signed Wataru Endo, it seems highly unlikely to happen.
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It’s interesting that these are the three players tabled as possible replacements for Fabinho. Ultimately, Liverpool tried – and failed – to sign two of them.
So, it remains a bit of a mystery why they seemingly didn’t move for Kamara too.
There were tentative reports linking the Reds with the 23-year-old, but he never felt like a name they were ready to pursue with any vigour.
Instead, Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure now looks like the man most likely to be brought in, if something does happen.
With less than nine days left in the window though, chances are high that Liverpool are done in defensive midfield. Having missed out on so many targets this summer, fans have a right to be disappointed.
Nevertheless, there’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves. The Reds still have a squad littered with talent and there’s high hopes that Endo can make the step up.
Even if the 30-year-old does end up surprising a few though, any of these three would have made supporters more comfortable.