Liverpool ‘identify’ replacement for shock transfer exitee amid countdown for Chelsea clash

Liverpool are set to undergo a major change ahead of their Premier League opener with Chelsea next month.

The Reds and Chelsea will go head-to-head in a mouth-watering first game of the season on August 13, and both teams go into that one with something to prove. The Blues endured a very disappointing season of last, while Liverpool also disappointed, although they at least managed to salvage a Europa League qualification.

The two clubs are now hard at work preparing for the new season, and indeed that season opener, and it has been a busy week for Liverpool.

Henderson exit

Some surprise news broke at Anfield this week, with long-serving Liverpool star Jordan Henderson set for a shock exit.

The 33-year-old has been a pillar for Liverpool since arriving in 2011, but he now looks set to join the crowd of players heading to Saudi Arabia. Specifically, it’s reported that Henderson has agreed to join Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq after holding talks with Jurgen Klopp over where he stands in the German’s plans for the coming season.

Henderson is said to have received a lucrative offer after being identified as one of Gerrard’s targets, and he is said to have accpeted the offer, with the move to become final in the coming days.

Henderson replacement

Liverpool seem to have quickly identified a replacement for Henderson.

Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri has claimed Southampton star Romeo Lavia is Liverpool’s first choice to replace Henderson. With Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister already signed up, Liverpool now need another midfielder to complete their midfield overhaul, and Lavia is said to want a move to Anfield.

Southampton are said to want around £50million for Lavia, and Liverpool may be willing to pay, although that may not be the end of their midfield changes, with reports of a Saudi Arabian offer for Fabinho.