Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that he has already chosen the next captain for the team following the confirmed departure of Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia this week.
With both Henderson and vice-captain James Milner leaving Anfield during the summer, there is a significant void in the team’s dressing room, but Klopp is ready to appoint one individual to take up the captain’s armband in their absence.
Henderson had become a prominent leader in the team’s dressing room after spending more than ten years at Liverpool. However, he recently finalized a transfer to Al Ettifaq, joining the growing trend of Premier League players moving to Saudi Arabia.
Notable names like Cristiano Ronaldo, N’Golo Kante, and Riyad Mahrez have also made similar moves to the Middle East.
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Virgil van Dijk, who appeared alongside Klopp in a press conference ahead of Liverpool’s friendly match against Leicester in Singapore, is widely anticipated to be named as the successor to Henderson as the team’s captain.
Other players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, and Mohamed Salah are also expected to be part of the leadership group.
Despite dropping a hint that Van Dijk might take up the role, Klopp declined to officially announce the new captain in front of the media during the press conference.
As stated by the Daily Express, he said:
“I know already my decision but I have to tell the players first. Virgil will start the game tomorrow and he will be captain. I know already my decision but I have to tell the players. I didn’t expect to have that decision a few weeks ago. Nobody has to be the next James Milner or Jordan Henderson. They can just be themselves.”
In the friendly match against Greuther Furth, Van Dijk wore the captain’s armband in the absence of Henderson.
Klopp is optimistic that the team can come together and rally in the dressing room as they aim to surpass last season’s fifth-placed finish.
However, this season, they will have to do so without the presence of Henderson and Milner, both of whom departed the club. Additionally, Fabinho is expected to join his former captain in the Middle East, leaving a significant gap in Liverpool’s midfield.
The Reds have already made signings in the form of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to strengthen their midfield. However, with more player departures, the club is targeting Southampton’s Romeo Lavia as their next addition.
Liverpool have reportedly submitted a second bid of £45 million to Southampton in their pursuit of the talented midfielder.
