With the new season just around the corner, Liverpool are expected to ramp up their transfer activity in the coming days with a number of players expected to either be sent out on loan or exit the club on a more permanent basis. The futures of Scouse fullback Jon Flanagan and Belgian striker Christian Benteke are likely to be sorted before the Reds kick-off their campaign against Arsenal later in the month, but the case of long serving Brazilian midfielder Lucas remains a massive question.
Turkish giants Galatasaray remain the front runner for his signature; they’ve already confirmed that he’s a target, had a loan offer rejected for him and have reportedly been in contact with the Anfield outfit over a permanent move, but the two sides and the player himself have yet to come to an understanding. Having picked up a hamstring injury last month which will keep him sidelined for the next couple of weeks, completing a medical could be an issue for the aging midfielder.
“If Lucas Leiva puts pen to paper on a deal for Galatasaray it would not be a surprise to be honest,” said the Lions sporting director Leven Nazifoglu earlier in the week. Despite their stated interest in the 29-year old, it wouldn’t be that surprising if Lucas stays on Merseyside. It’s been a busy summer at Anfield between comings and goings, but Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been mostly mum on the subject of the Brazilian destroyer. It’s rumoured that the German manager would be willing to listen to offers, but he’s also not actively looking to get him off the books.
The player, for his part, has already said that he’s unsure what role awaits him this season, but it’s understood that he’s not agitating for a transfer. Competition is going to be fierce in the Reds midfield this season, but Klopp has also deployed Lucas as a makeshift defender on a number of occasions since taking over at Anfield last fall; could the Brazilian’s versatility see him remain on Merseyside for the coming campaign?
