⁠Finally, Liverpool about to sign their new Fabinho

The new Fabinho is finally coming to Liverpool, it’s inevitable.

Liverpool’s search for Fabinho’s successor has been nothing short of a nightmare since the Brazilian left Anfield.

It’s now been more than three years, and the Reds still haven’t properly filled the hole he left behind. The saga started with Aurelien Tchouameni, who Liverpool wanted but ultimately missed out on.

Then came the Moises Caicedo saga. Liverpool went all-in for the Ecuadorian, only for Chelsea to win the race. To make matters worse, the Blues also signed Romeo Lavia, who had been identified by Liverpool as their alternative.

The Reds eventually settled for Wataru Endo, but he was always viewed more as a squad player than a long-term solution.

Then came Martin Zubimendi. Liverpool were desperate to sign him, but the midfielder chose to remain at Real Sociedad.

Liverpool’s plans for the midfield

It’s becoming increasingly obvious that Liverpool are missing a very specific type of midfielder: someone in the Fabinho mould.

The Reds don’t really have a natural defensive-minded No.6 who is comfortable dropping deep, taking the ball from the centre-backs and helping build attacks from the back.

Ryan Gravenberch has filled that role, but it isn’t necessarily natural to him. His first instinct is usually to carry the ball forward rather than dictate play from deep. That becomes an issue alongside Dominik Szoboszlai, who also likes to drive forward with the ball.

Liverpool need someone who can stay disciplined and provide that platform. It explains why Trey Nyoni has impressed when introduced, while Lamine Camara has also emerged as a target. But there’s another name worth watching.

Liverpool making steps to sign Marc Bernal

According to journalist Juan Jesus, Liverpool are not ruling out a move for the Barcelona midfielder in the January window with the club ‘very’ interested in the Spaniard’s services.

Bernal is exactly the type of holding midfielder Liverpool are lacking at the moment. He would bring a lot of solidity in the middle of the park, and there are shades of Fabinho about him in the way he is able to control the middle.

Given the fact that Barcelona are open to letting him go for a reasonable fee, and that Bernal wants to go somewhere where he is guaranteed to play, it feels like this January might finally be the time when the Reds bring in their new Fabinho.

It’s been a long time waiting.