Top five players who can replace Fabinho at Liverpool

The Reds finds themselves searching for replacements for their midfield duo as Fabinho amid his move to Saudi Arabia

While the Liverpool boss had plans to trim his squad this summer, with James Milner leading the line of big-name players to join Brighton after his contracts expired, however selling Fabinho and club captain Henderson to Saudi Pro League was not part of them.

But now the Brazilian looks almost certain to move on in a deal worth £40 million. Indeed, the player deemed pivotal to the Reds since signing from Monaco in 2018 has been dropped from the squad for their Germany training camp. It was a clear indication a move to the Middle East is imminent, and club captain Jordan Henderson could yet follow him. Let’s take a look at potential names that could be his replacement at Anfield.

5. Ryan Gravenberch, Bayern Munich

Not linked as prominently as he once was with Liverpool, signing Gravenberch could indicate a change of approach in the number six role, given he looks to suit the number eight position more. Having excelled at Ajax, Gravenberch did not hit the heights expected of him in Bayern's midfield last season.

Having previously spoken of his admiration for Liverpool, a deal seemed inevitable a few months ago when the Anfield club became heavily linked with the 21-year-old. And with the ability to break up play as well as create it, the Dutchman would be perceived as a like-for-like replacement for Fabinho.

However, there has been a twist this month, after Gravenberch stated his desire to remain and flourish in the Bundesliga. It remains to be seen whether the comments deter Liverpool's pursuit. The former Ajax star doesn’t look settled at Bayern Munich, and he won’t want to spend another season on the bench, so this might be the easiest of the four to complete, but there are question marks over his suitability.

4. Kalvin Phillips, Manchester City

The player who left Leeds and who won the treble with City are a stark contrast to each other. He was an impressive midfielder who not only shined for the club but as well as England as well. Undoubtedly a very good player, but there’s just too much going on against Liverpool with Phillips.

At 27, he’s perhaps at the wrong end of the age scale, while he has had more than his fair share of injury problems over the years, something which Liverpool will want to get away from after offloading Naby Keïta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Furthermore, Phillips has indicated he wants to fight for his place at Manchester City, and with five years left on his contract, he won’t come cheaply. This will only depend on how much Klopp will see him as a good replacement who could play 50 plus games in a season.

3. Lucas Paqueta, West Ham

In recent seasons, the Brazilian has rediscovered his form since his move from Flamengo to Europe. The midfielder is an ideal and versatile midfielder who can adapt from attacking to defensive roles. He began his journey in Europe when AC Milan signed him during the winter transfer in 2019 but departed the next year in September after a very disappointing spell.

His next journey took him to Lyon, France where during his two-year spell he managed to redefine his career during which Lyon went to the Champions League Semi-Finals. This made him West Ham’s record signing last year which saw him contributing 07 goals in the league but had to be sidelined at the end of the season due to injury. He will be an interesting fit at Liverpool given his versatility and how Klopp likes such players who can take on various roles.  

2. Sofyan Amrabat, Fiorentina

The opinion seems to be very much divided on the Fiorentina midfielder. Some fans will no doubt have been won over by his performances at the World Cup, and maybe even his display in the Europa Conference League final, but others are not convinced to say the least.

Of the names listed though, he is perhaps one of the better options, and could potentially ruin yet another Manchester United transfer, which is always a bonus for Liverpool fans. Amrabat is at least a little more affordable and attainable, with reports suggesting that he would cost a little over £30m, while both Fiorentina and the player are willing to accept a summer transfer, though West Ham are reportedly the only side to have so far made a bid.

Admittedly, Amrabat doesn’t boast Premier League experience and has been available on the market throughout 2023 without any club significantly biting as things stand. And while he might seem a stronger option from the aforementioned list as a like-for-like starting replacement, he does present his own headache if he were to join Liverpool.

1. Roméo Lavia, Southampton

Starting with the obvious, the youngest name on the list also looks to be the best option available, which might go some way to explaining why some fans are concerned. However, the 19-year-old remains inexperienced and boasts only 36 senior appearances under his belt. Southampton wants $66m (£50m/€58m), as per Sky Sports, which would certainly be a lot to pay for a 19-year-old, although the $52m (£40m/€47m) coming Liverpool’s way from Fabinho’s sale would soften the blow, and give Klopp a highly-rated number six that he can mold in whichever way he chooses.

The Belgian international was one of the few shining lights in an otherwise dismal relegation season for Southampton, so much so that he now playing his trade in the Championship seems inconceivable. At just 19 years old and brimming with both quality and energy, he would serve as the obvious long-term solution for Klopp. However, the Reds are far from the only interested party, and a potential price tag of £ 50 million may prove a stumbling block.