Three Replacements For Lucas Leiva Who Liverpool Can Target
Liverpool were not in the best of forms last season as they failed to compete for the title, which was not too far away, mid-way through the season. But Klopp is now ready to help the club take the next step, and is looking to add some of the finest players in world football to his squad this summer.
This will see a few players leave the club before the end of the transfer window and one such player who has already quit the club is veteran midfielder, Lucas Leiva. A hard tackling defender, a breed that is hard to find in the modern game, Lucas was used as a centre-back for most of Klopp’s time at Anfield but he has now completed a move to Italian side Lazio, to start a new chapter. So Liverpool will need an able backup that can increase the depth in the squad and here are three Lucas Leiva replacements they can think of this summer.
Gary Medel (Inter Milan)
The Chilean international is a long term transfer target for the Reds, especially during Brendan Rodgers’ at Anfield. However, Liverpool were not able to get him to England. But with Lucas Leiva quitting the club, Liverpool have a void that needs to be filled quickly and Medel could be the right man, even under Jurgen Klopp. His strength and versatility will attract the German manager, who could be tempted to spend on the 29-year old Inter Milan man as a replacement for the outgoing Brazilian this summer.
William Carvalho (Sporting CP)
Another player previously linked with a move to Liverpool is Portuguese star, William Carvalho. Capable of playing as a centre-back as well, the 25-year old defensive midfielder is known for his technical ability with the ball at his feet and is wanted by a number of clubs in England. He is an experienced international who can also walk into Liverpool’s first team but is an expensive. He will not be happy with the role of a backup in the squad but otherwise, he is the perfect replacement for Lucas Leiva at Liverpool.
Marko Grujic
While all the quality in the transfer market could help Liverpool improve their squad, one player they already possess, who can take Lucas’ place in the side at Anfield is Serbian international Marko Grujic. Having joined Liverpool last summer, he failed to establish himself in the first team under Klopp and is yet to make a series of appearances for the Reds. However, he has started the pre-season and is showing decent progress and if he is given enough exposure, he could be more than an able replacement for Lucas in the long-term.