• Wed. Feb 19th, 2025

Liverpool should fend off Bayern’s move for the star to beat Caicedo and Fernández

Liverpool should fend off Bayern’s move for the star to beat Caicedo and Fernández

Liverpool have yet to find a long-term successor to Fabinho, but could do so by making a summer move that was almost shut down by Bayern Munich. Joao Palhinha challenges Armando Brojan in Fulham’s Premier League game against Chelsea
The departures of both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho came as a bit of a surprise to Liverpool fans in the summer, and even more so when the Reds closed the transfer window by signing just one defensive midfielder in Wataru Endo.
Liverpool’s decision has so far proved successful, with Jurgen Klopp’s side just three points off the top of the table and one behind Manchester City ahead of the favorable schedule ahead. But the rebuild is not yet fully complete and Fabinho’s long-term successor has not been identified, although the possibility has begun to emerge after an impressive 2022/23 campaign.
And it didn’t look like he would be playing in the English Premier League the day before his move to Bayern Munich. Fulham’s João Palhinha, like Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo, was one of the Premier League’s breakout stars last season, high in several key defensive metrics – but it’s the Portuguese star who has been the breakout star this season.
Palhinha averages more blocks, shots and steals per game than Caicedo, and the numbers have distinguished him in the major leagues. Alexis Mac Allister has been in Liverpool’s number six for most of this season and has also impressed, although it is not his natural position. Mac Allister averages 7.94 defensive tackles per 90 FBref. That metric widens the gap in the other three categories, where Palhinha beats Caicedo. Diogo Jota’s Portuguese compatriot manages 10.76 defensive actions per 90. better than Caicedo (5.80 per 90) and Enzo Fernández (5.13 per 90) – only 0.17 marks behind both Chelsea stars combined. It shows that Palhinha’s form shows no signs of slowing until January, when Bayern Munich are expected to reappear for his signature. A deal of $71m (£56m/£65m) was previously agreed with Fulham and although that would be a slightly bigger outlay than Liverpool are used to for players of his age (28), it would at least support a player capable of doing so. immediate effect While Mac Allister has impressed in his displays in a deeper role, he is naturally more comfortable going forward, suggesting that Klopp has yet to see the best of the Argentine star. And while Endo has shown himself to be a valuable addition to the squad, it is unlikely that he was brought in as a direct replacement for Fabinho.
Based on the recent signings of Thiago Alcântara and Ryan Gravenberch, Liverpool and Bayern clearly have a good relationship, and while it might hurt if the Reds snub a pre-agreed transfer, there will be far greater returns in completing a midfield rebuild. . If Palhinha continues his current form, which sees him set to Premier League standard, he could be the obvious choice as Fabinho’s ideal successor – and the Liverpool man should certainly be one to keep an eye on as the January transfer window approaches.

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