Who Will Be the Next Liverpool Captain? Favourites & Predictions

Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp find themselves facing an unexpected crisis in midfield this summer, prompted by the influence of Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal, a club in the Middle East, expressed interest in acquiring the services of Brazilian midfielder Fabinho, while another Saudi club, Al-Ettifaq, quietly pursued Liverpool’s club captain, Jordan Henderson. The news of Henderson’s potential departure without a proper farewell to Anfield has caused ripples of concern among Liverpool fans and football pundits alike. After all, Henderson was not only an integral part of the team but was also poised to be immortalized on the prestigious Anfield Road.

As the story unfolds, it appears that the allure of lucrative financial offers played a pivotal role in these developments. The prospect of life-changing sums of money, though undoubtedly enticing, has left a sombre note of controversy overshadowing Henderson’s legacy at Liverpool. It brings into question his commitment to the principles he vocally advocated for throughout his time at the club, such as equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community and an unwavering stance against racism.

Inevitably, with this move to a country where LGBTQ+ rights are limited and structural racism is a concern, some quarters have branded Henderson as a hypocrite. The moral conflicts arising from such a move are a deeply personal matter for the player to contend with, and he will have to navigate through these challenges in his own way.

For Liverpool, the departure of their influential captain leaves a captain-shaped hole in the heart of their midfield. Klopp and the club’s recruitment team now face the arduous task of swiftly identifying and securing a suitable replacement. The success of the upcoming season hinges upon their ability to address this void and maintain the team’s strong leadership and performance.

The significance of Henderson’s departure stretches beyond just his on-pitch abilities. He was not only a skilled midfielder but also a vocal leader in the dressing room. His absence will be felt not only during games but also during team discussions, morale-boosting moments, and critical decision-making situations.

But just who will it be? Several names have emerged as potential replacements for the coveted central midfield position at Liverpool. Virgil Van Dijk is most likely to take the title with odds of 2/1, followed by Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, with odds of 2/1 and 5/2 respectively. If none of these players get your vote, you could consider heading to a betting exchange instead.

According to SportsLens, football betting features heavily at exchange betting sites—platforms where punters can offer their own odds on an event happening, pitting them against other punters, rather than the bookmaker. So, if you’ve got your eyes set on Kalvin Phillips as the next captain, you could offer odds on it and see if other fans agree or disagree.

Indeed, Phillips is another hot prospect for the role; the English midfielder made a big-money move from his boyhood club, Leeds United, to Manchester City last summer. Despite his talent, Phillips found it challenging to secure substantial game time at City, where Rodri and John Stones have solidified their roles as defensive midfielders.

Liverpool is reportedly interested in the player; however, convincing City to part ways with him might prove difficult, given the lack of recent business dealings between the two clubs, so odds are likely to be high on this one.

Another contender for the position is Khéphren Thuram, the son of the legendary French footballer, Lilian Thuram. Khéphren is currently making waves at OGC Nice, demonstrating his multidimensional abilities as a box-to-box midfielder. Standing at 6’2, Thuram possesses not only technical skills but also the physicality and power that make him a force to be reckoned with in the midfield. Klopp sees potential in Thuram, comparing his style of play to that of the great Patrick Vieira.

Federico Valverde, the Uruguayan midfielder who has been a regular fixture at Real Madrid in recent seasons, is also on Liverpool’s radar. However, with the emergence of talented midfielders like Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga at Real Madrid, Valverde may find himself relegated to a bench-warming role. Liverpool’s interest in Valverde is understandable, as he shares similarities in work rate and playing style with Henderson.

Furthermore, Marco Verratti, the tenacious Italian midfielder who has been a cornerstone of Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield for over a decade, has also been linked to Liverpool. Known for his relentless defensive work and elegant passing, Verratti has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the world’s finest central midfielders. Reports suggest that PSG is undergoing a squad revamp, with several players potentially up for sale, including Verratti. Liverpool’s interest in the Italian maestro is well-founded, given his defensive astuteness and remarkable pass completion rate of 92.6%.

As the transfer window unfolds, Liverpool’s recruitment team faces critical decisions that will shape the team’s future. The task of finding a suitable replacement for Henderson is not just about filling a position on the field but also about finding a player who can bring leadership, camaraderie, and character to the team. Whoever steps into Henderson’s shoes will undoubtedly have enormous responsibilities, both on and off the pitch.

Ultimately, the summer transfer window is a time of uncertainty, anticipation, and excitement for football fans. For Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp, it represents a significant test of their ability to adapt to unexpected challenges and make strategic decisions that will propel the team towards continued success. The replacement of Henderson is a critical piece of the puzzle that will determine how the Reds fare in the upcoming season and beyond.