As Jordan Henderson and Fabinho prepare to leave Anfield, Liverpool are allegedly exploring a deal for Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure. With their first-choice holding midfielder on the verge of a £40 million departure to Saudi Arabian club Al Ittihad, the Reds are looking for suitable alternatives.
Doucoure has been linked with a move to Liverpool this summer, although the midfielder has only been at Palace for one season. He cost £26 million ($34 million) to sign from Lens last summer, and the Eagles value him at £50 million. This summer, the team has already signed Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. They have, however, been compelled to reconsider their transfer strategy.
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Saudi Arabia is interested in both Henderson and Fabinho. Steven Gerrard is looking for the England international at Al-Ettifaq. The two clubs have yet to strike a deal; Liverpool values its captain at £20 million ($26 million). Fabinho is in discussions to join Al-Ittihad for £40 million ($51 million). He has missed the club’s pre-season tour in Germany while negotiating the transfer.
Should both Fabinho and Henderson go, Liverpool would be short on midfield options and would have coveted Doucoure. They do, however, have several alternatives. Liverpool are also interested in Kalvin Phillips of Manchester City, Ryan Gravenberch of Bayern Munich, Sofyan Amrabat of Fiorentina, and Boubacar Kamara of Aston Villa.
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Palace supporters chose Doucoure as their Player of the Year. He defeated competitors such as Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Marc Guehi. He made 34 Premier League matches in total under two managers, Patrick Vieira and subsequently Roy Hodgson, to assist his new team finish 11th.
Liverpool will be hoping for some clarification on Henderson and Fabinho’s futures. Nevertheless must not pursue their interest in another new midfielder.
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