Jordan Henderson

[Mark79]

I'm not suggesting that we keep playing a midfield unit that doesn't work, clearly there have been issues with the midfield I have been saying that since Wijnaldum left if not before, Henderson clearly isn't a regular for the long term, but if him and Fabinho were here this season, I could see at least one of the starting in the midfield for at tlleast the first couple of months of the season, I don't think Klopp would want to chuck a new midfield unit in every game because you are more likely to get inconsistency, An experienced head such as Henderson or Milner would level that inconsistency out even if the peak level is lower, and that is typically how the squad evolves.

No matter how good the players we bring in are I would expect an up and down start to the season while the new players settle

I know. You’re saying that it’s necessary to have a midfield that have played together. Yet that’s what we had last season, and we didn’t hit the ground running then either.

One of Hendo or Fab starting with the new signings is still a new midfield that haven’t played together before.

That’s why I’m saying there’s a case for a reset with the midfield, rather than persevering with declining players. It’s likely going to be a transition season for us anyway.

[labourRed]

From what I have read City have a 20% sell on and a buy back for £40m active in a year on Lavia, if true a £50m asking price gets Southampton the £40m that they could get from City in a year so I suspect that they won't go much below that.

Assuming we go into the season with MacAllister, Szoboszlai, Jones, Elliott, and Bajcetic, possibly Thiago, Levia and one other we are probably looking at 2 from MacAllister, Szoboszlai and Thiago, with Jones and Elliott as backups for the two number 8 roles. Lavia IMO isn't ready to be a regular starter and Bajcetic is just a youngster, the additional midfielder needs to be a first choice DM then things look OK when everyone is fit and assuming the new signings work out. If one of McAllister or Szoboszlai doesn’t work out and Thiago is injured we are relying on one of Jones or Elliott stepping up to be a regular and the other still needing to play alot of football too. I think Jones has it in him but it's potentially alot of pressure on those two and there are alot of unknowns. If Thiago leaves the two signings have to work out and Jones and Elliott really have to step up

I think McAllister and Szoboszlai are fairly proven, low risk signings. I'm just not sure Szoboszlai is suited to the midfield three. We'll find the answer soon enough.

Bajcetic is one I'm very excited about. He's has a fair amount of experience already and has a super high ceiling IMO. As you say he is young and should be managed as he grows.

[BootRoom]

I think there could be something in this, as I don't see how this makes sense for the player (large amounts of cash aside - given his campaigning history etc) or the Saudi club, no disrespect to Henderson but he's not a player you would offer that kind of money to. They aren't PIF funded and are supposedly a midtable club, for all Henderson's qualities he doesn't seem like the player to turn their fortunes around especially when competing against PIF backed clubs.

Also the suggestion that they will pay £700k a week wages but want him for free or for ~£10m as seems to be suggested is a piss take, something doesn't add up here

A logical explanation (yes, I know wanting to sign "Capt Crooner" defies all logic, but hear me out here) could be that the reports of "700K per week" are seriously wide of the mark, and the main financial advantages are in regard to tax-free earnings, hence the Saudi's being reluctant to pay a transfer fee. The offer could simply be a net doubling of his money, plus an extra year compared to his current deal - under those circumstances a free/minimal fee seems entirely reasonable.

[Exiled_red]

I don't think we'll be going for big names, although I'm prepared to be surprised, but more along the lines of Thuram, Kone, Gravenberch (not necessarily them, but of that ilk).

The money's already set aside for a third midfielder (Lavia), but Southampton need to reduce their asking price.

I don't think we'll replace both Henderson and Fabinho. I think their transfer fees plus wages go towards one player who is primarily a 6, but can move into an 8. I don't know who it'll be, but

MacAllister, Szoboszlai, NEW MID, Jones, Elliott, NEW MID, and Bajcetic is what I'd be expecting. Maybe chuck in Thiago there, as even though he's linked with moves, I think he might stay now.

It's a massive risk to go with what I'm saying, but it'd be affordable. It may not be to everyone's taste though. I can imagine a lot of angry fans if we signed Gravenberch and Lavia after all this for, example.

From what I have read City have a 20% sell on and a buy back for £40m active in a year on Lavia, if true a £50m asking price gets Southampton the £40m that they could get from City in a year so I suspect that they won't go much below that.

Assuming we go into the season with MacAllister, Szoboszlai, Jones, Elliott, and Bajcetic, possibly Thiago, Levia and one other we are probably looking at 2 from MacAllister, Szoboszlai and Thiago, with Jones and Elliott as backups for the two number 8 roles. Lavia IMO isn't ready to be a regular starter and Bajcetic is just a youngster, the additional midfielder needs to be a first choice DM then things look OK when everyone is fit and assuming the new signings work out. If one of McAllister or Szoboszlai doesn’t work out and Thiago is injured we are relying on one of Jones or Elliott stepping up to be a regular and the other still needing to play alot of football too. I think Jones has it in him but it's potentially alot of pressure on those two and there are alot of unknowns. If Thiago leaves the two signings have to work out and Jones and Elliott really have to step up

[baitman]

If fabingo goes and we bring in a new dm then we are spunking £30M+ so whoever it is will be going into the starting eleven.

[Slinky Skills]

[ame]https://twitter.com/SamMcGuire90/status/1679426804761649153[/ame]

[labourRed]

Just heard from a very connected person that Henderson has gone if they'll pay the fee being asked.
Fabinho possibly £40m

Literally everyone is saying that. I don't think we'll pay hardball over the Henderson fee 10—20m would get it over the line. It's worth asking the question of the cash rich.

[Norbs]

That's my exact point; rationalisation from his adherents, justifying how their multi-millionaire hero of superior moral virtue and probity should be commended while shacking up in a country, and with a regime, that is diametrically opposed to the social values said hero has proclaimed, all for an even bigger pile of cash. Also, note how his contribution to the past success of the Club will be wildly exaggerated, implicitly diminishing the contribution of other team members.

But, more seriously, let's not ****ing jinx it.

He definitely ****ed your sister

[Irishnev]

[ame="https://twitter.com/sammcguire90/status/1679581434657292291"]https://twitter.com/sammcguire90/status/1679581434657292291[/ame]

[fidget]

Just heard from a very connected person that Henderson has gone if they'll pay the fee being asked.
Fabinho possibly £40m

[Phoenix07]

Like I say that's likely an £80m+ net spend (taking a Fabinho fee into account) for those 2. If Henderson goes too we might need a 3rd midfielder who would cost probably at least £10-20m more than we get for him. I would be surprised if we spend another £100m on top of what we get for Henderson and Fabinho. In this scenario not getting Lavia (or signing him as the starter in that role) seems the most likely outcome to me...

I don't think we'll be going for big names, although I'm prepared to be surprised, but more along the lines of Thuram, Kone, Gravenberch (not necessarily them, but of that ilk).

The money's already set aside for a third midfielder (Lavia), but Southampton need to reduce their asking price.

I don't think we'll replace both Henderson and Fabinho. I think their transfer fees plus wages go towards one player who is primarily a 6, but can move into an 8. I don't know who it'll be, but

MacAllister, Szoboszlai, NEW MID, Jones, Elliott, NEW MID, and Bajcetic is what I'd be expecting. Maybe chuck in Thiago there, as even though he's linked with moves, I think he might stay now.

It's a massive risk to go with what I'm saying, but it'd be affordable. It may not be to everyone's taste though. I can imagine a lot of angry fans if we signed Gravenberch and Lavia after all this for, example.

[Irishnev]

Are you saying we are on the cusp of a "Captain Player-Coach Crooner"-with-a-written-agreement-to-take-over-when-Klopp-leaves announcement?

No

[Exiled_red]

It'll be a starting No.6, with Lavia as back-up, but that No.6 can also play further in midfield if needed i.e Tchouameni (won't be him though IMO).

Like I say that's likely an £80m+ net spend (taking a Fabinho fee into account) for those 2. If Henderson goes too we might need a 3rd midfielder who would cost probably at least £10-20m more than we get for him. I would be surprised if we spend another £100m on top of what we get for Henderson and Fabinho. In this scenario not getting Lavia (or signing him as the starter in that role) seems the most likely outcome to me...

[Phoenix07]

We need to have 2 specialist DMs. Lavia shouldn't be coming in as a guaranteed starter, where we are now I could see him 'learning his trade' for a year in the squad alongside someone like Fabinho, Fabinho is getting on a bit so Lavia would be a successor.

If Fabinho leaves now you are relying on Lavia being first choice, or you bring in someone else who is as close as you can get to a guaranteed starter. Do that and a move to LFC for Lavia doesn’t make as much sense, he would likely be competing with a much younger DM and his path to the first team is more difficult.

From the club point of view keeping Fabinho and signing Lavia costs £50m, selling Fabinho brings in £40m but a replacement likely costs £70m+ so a first choice plus Lavia requires the club to find £80m (an extra £30m), in that scenario it's easier to cut back on the 2nd choice, so not buy Lavia...

It'll be a starting No.6, with Lavia as back-up, but that No.6 can also play further in midfield if needed i.e Tchouameni (won't be him though IMO).

[BootRoom]

So, I’m going to come off all Bootroom here but here is my take on things……

Henderson has been openly pro inclusion/diversity and has led players in many campaigns so this would be a full 180% turn - I don’t see him giving up his morals
The club in question are not one of the 4 owned by PIF and don’t have the same level of money as the ones Ronaldo, Benzema etc went to - there’s no way they can afford it
The news broke by Dominic King who helped him write his autobiography
Henderson has form in the past for running to the media (Ornstein) saying PSG and AM wanted him when he was chasing a big contract

I think the offer is being exaggerated, I think he’ll turn it down and everyone will say how great he is for refusing the money and he’ll spend the next two seasons with us on his huge wages

Big PR conspiracy theory from me and I might look like a massive plonker if he takes the money and goes

Are you saying we are on the cusp of a "Captain Player-Coach Crooner"-with-a-written-agreement-to-take-over-when-Klopp-leaves announcement?