Liverpool’s apparent need for reinforcements in midfield means players in the position across Europe are linked with a summer move to Anfield. But if rumors are to be believed, Jurgen Klopp could add someone from a well-known club to his squad.

Where Southampton was once Liverpool’s de facto feeder club for players, Fulham may soon be. The Reds have signed Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho from the west London side and are now heavily linked with their midfielder Joao Palhinha.

According to Sami Mokbel in the Mail, “Liverpool are seen as the strongest contender but there are others.” He added that “Fulham are confident they can keep Palhinha for at least a year.” The 27-year-old, who made eight of his 18 caps for Portugal under Diogo Jota, has a contract until 2027 having only moved to Craven Cottage last year. With four years left on his contract, securing his signature would come at a significant cost.

However, he would bring a layer of security and steel to the Reds’ midfield that has often been lacking this season. Would that make his high fees a price to pay?

Palhinha’s greatest strength is her dueling. He ranks in the 99th percentile of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for six metrics in FBRef’s scouting report, and they’re all linked in one way or another to tackles. Sitting in the top eight percent on other stats including blocked passes, clearances and percentage of aerial duels won, the defensive side of his game is emphatically strong. The Fulham man’s position as the main midfield tackler in the attacking third will certainly make him attractive to Klopp.

Liverpool saw evidence of Palhinha’s tackling ability in all thirds of the pitch when they drew 2-2 with Fulham on the opening weekend of 2022/23. He made six tackles, the most of any player on either side, from the seventh to the 93rd minute. The Portuguese international has also taken the ball from five different Reds, with Thiago Alcantara falling victim twice.

While the obvious goal of tackles is to put the opponent on the heels, they also sometimes have an offensive advantage. According to FBRef, Palhinha has made four saves that have resulted in Premier League shots this season. Neither has resulted in a goal, but it’s the most common scored by a player in the big leagues in 2022/23. These actions suggest the former Sporting midfielder could help counter Klopp’s favor as a playmaker.

However, the tackle can be a somewhat reckless method of winning the ball back, and it comes at a price. Palhinha has collected 10 yellow cards, making it the second most in the Premier League, while only three players in France, Germany, Italy or Spain (one of whom is Ozan Kabak) have received more. With Liverpool averaging over 13% more possession than Fulham, Palhinha wouldn’t need to attack as often, but his record is a bit of a problem.

Apart from the two suspensions accumulated for caution, he has always been present in the heart of Fulham’s midfield. While not a champion size to prove anything, Fulham have lost all three games that Palhinha has lost.

The Whites have used the same starting line-up in every game this season, with former Everton manager Marco Silva favoring a 4-2-3-1 system. Interestingly, the Reds continue to be associated with players who thrive in that context, with Jude Bellingham being the most obvious example. If Klopp is planning a tactical change, it’s probably too much to hope that his central pairing is made up of the Dortmund man and Palhinha. Still, it’s a delightful prospect.

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A lack of the Champions League isn’t enough to stop big talent coming to Liverpool, says Merson

It may be time for Liverpool fans to rejoice after Paul Merson has suggested that even a lack of Champions League next season for the Reds isn’t necessarily enough to stop a world-class talent from joining them.

Jürgen Klopp’s side have disappointed for the vast majority of the 2022-23 season, and while competing in Europe’s top competition for next season is not beyond them, the task will not be easy given their form.
Despite this, and the likelihood of a Europa League place in 2023-24, Merson believes this is not enough to dissuade Jude Bellingham from swapping Borussia Dortmund for Liverpool.

The Reds’ midfield will certainly look different next season. Athletic (subscription required) note that Arthur Melo is being sent back to Juventus and both Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are allowed to leave.

This opens up the possibility of adding Bellingham to the ranks, Merson hinting Anfield rather than the Santiago Bernabeu could be the 19-year-old’s next destination. “I understand where Rio Ferdinand is coming from when he says Jude Bellingham will choose Real Madrid based on their Champions League knockout tie against Liverpool,” he wrote in his Daily Star column.

“But I read stories about Bellingham and his family and all they cared about was making sure he was playing football when they chose Borussia Dortmund over Man United.

“A year without the Champions League at 19 won’t define his career if Liverpool miss out on fourth place. He’s not a selfish player and I feel like he likes a challenge.

“It’s good to play the Champions League, but what’s the point if you still don’t win it? He’s an example to every kid out there, it’s not about the money, it’s about the performance. I still think it could gobble up a year out of the Champions League if Liverpool don’t qualify. He has a very long career ahead of him.”

As Merson suggests, Bellingham appears to be playing for the love of the game rather than for how much he can make.

He will certainly be well paid wherever he goes, although the expectation of a permanent place in the heart of a midfield that will be the hub for years to come certainly exceeds the many millions he could earn, even if supporting. .