29 July 2023 , 15:46
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed Trent Alexander-Arnold is an option for him as a number six this season, but also hinted the Reds would be making more midfield signings.
The Reds lost Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain earlier in the summer when their contracts expired, while loanee Arthur returned to parent club Juventus. They have now also lost Jordan Henderson to Al Ettifaq, while Fabinho is also on the verge of a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Alexander-Arnold has moved forward from his more traditional right-back role at times, and Klopp has spoken more about the options available to him. These include further new signings, despite the outlay of around £100m on summer signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
"After we put him in this flexible role [at the end of last season], everyone told us he should play completely in midfield without saying why," Klopp told reporters. "It's a completely different position to the one he played last season, or he played for England, because it’s a holding position. You have to organise much more.
"Trent can play the position - it depends on who is on the left and right of him. We really thought it was a very good and important thing to do this pre-season.
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"We still want to try it with Trent as a right-back again. Then we'll see how we'll start the season."
Should Liverpool move Alexander-Arnold into midfield? Have your say in the comments section
Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a midfield option for Liverpool (Getty Images)Fabinho's Liverpool exit isn't officially confirmed, but appears close. The Brazilian is due to join Al Ittihad, who won the Saudi Pro League last season, leaving the Reds' short on midfield depth.
“That would be not a bad idea," Klopp said when asked about reinforcements. "We know that we have to do something there. It is absolutely clear. We are working on solutions.
“Fabinho is not here and that shows things are ongoing. But as far as I know it’s not finalised."
Romeo Lavia is one of the higher-profile players linked with an Anfield switch. The Reds have seen an initial offer for the Belgian rejected by Southampton, who are holding out for £50m for one of the better performers from their relegation campaign.
Klopp was speaking ahead of a double-header for Liverpool, who are in Singapore for the latest leg of their pre-season tour of Asia. The Reds are due to face Leicester on Sunday and Bayern Munich three days later, before returning to England for a friendly against German side Darmstadt.
Liverpool get their Premier League season underway on August 13 with a trip to Chelsea, who are also looking to bolster their midfield. The Blues have agreed a £23.5m fee for French midfielder Lesley Oguchukwu of Rennes.