Liverpool MUST stop Thiago's heir from joining Man Utd

When Liverpool players leave it can take a little while for the club to replace them.

For example, Philippe Coutinho's departure in 2018 meant that Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker could be brought to the club, but the Brazilian's profile in the team wasn't replaced until Dominik Szoboszlai joined the Reds in 2023.

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Likewise, Joel Matip retired from senior football at the end of last season, following a lengthy time on the sidelines with an ACL injury. For the 32-year-old, that was enough of a setback to force him to end his career, but Liverpool still haven't replaced him, opting to start the season undermanned.

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The approach is much to the frustration of Liverpool fans, who feel the owners FSG are purposefully trying to neglect the needs of the club. Whereas in most cases, the recruitment team just has a specific player in mind and they will not buy a player in panic if their ideal move doesn't come to fruition.

However, for Thiago Alcantara, the club's perfect replacement is waiting in the wings, and if the Reds can hijack their rivals Manchester United, then Arne Slot could have an even more impressive array of midfield talents to choose from next season.

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The summer's failed attempts to sign Martin Zubimendi were part of the latest installment of Liverpool's inability to sign a defensive midfielder.

Left with egg on their face yet again, the club decided to get inventive by giving Ryan Gravenberch the reins of the No6 role - a decision that has been instantly vindicated as a genius move.

However, the club still doesn't quite have the perfect partner for him in a double pivot. Alexis Mac Allister has performed admirably in the position, but the Argentinian might be better suited to competing with Szoboszlai as the club's No10.

Back when Thiago was at the club, Fabinho had the perfect player to sit deep and act as a defensive playmaker from deep in the pitch. Mac Allister on the other hand is a completely different profile and the only thing that has come close to Thiago's impact has been when Trent Alexander-Arnold inverts into midfield.

As such, the prospect of signing a player like Adam Wharton must be enticing for the club, because he would add an entirely different profile to this current Liverpool side.

The Crystal Palace youngster has been incredibly impressive throughout his short career so far, already featuring for the England national team.

His recent struggles for the Eagles have come down to fitness and fatigue with injuries, but his current groin injury is the first on record for his professional career.

In an exclusive from Caught Offside, the Reds' direct rivals Manchester United are considered to be in pole position to sign the 21-year-old but both Liverpool and Arsenal are noted to have been interested.

The Devils would be looking to replace Christian Eriksen with the signing of Adam Wharton, yet another similar profile to Thiago, and while the move would make sense, it is clear that Liverpool are a much more attractive option to United given the club's seasons.

Liverpool are flying high at the top of the Premier League, while still competing in the Champions League last 16 and the EFL Cup Final, meanwhile Manchester United are in the Europa League, while sitting 15th in the league.

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We will have to wait and see if a Thiago replacement is considered to be a signing that is paramount this summer, amidst the likelihood of sweeping changes on Merseyside, but if Wharton is subsequently targeted, then it is clear the club is looking to be proactive.

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