Report: Liverpool signed Fabinho after bid for Ndombele failed, Klopp still keen for 2019 move

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Liverpool reportedly wanted Tanguy Ndombele before signing Fabinho.

According to Telefoot, Liverpool made a move for Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele this past summer – but after failing, they signed Fabinho instead.

The Reds enjoyed a strong summer transfer window, with Alisson and Naby Keita completing their moves to Anfield, and the great recruitment is boosting Jurgen Klopp’s title hopes.

Liverpool have won all six of their Premier League games to open the season, but one of their summer signings has been surprisingly frozen out under Klopp.

Fabinho arrived from Monaco with a strong reputation as a holding midfielder, but the Brazilian has yet to even make his Premier League debut, with many Reds fans confused by his absence.

Now, Telefoot report that Liverpool only moved to sign Fabinho in a big-money deal after seeing a bid for Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele rejected, with the Reds one of a host of Premier League clubs to fail with offers.

Ndombele has emerged as one of the top young midfielders in Europe, and after Lyon made his loan move from Amiens permanent, clubs moved to sign him, only for Lyon to stand firm.

That sent Liverpool to sign Fabinho instead, but the report claims that they still have Ndombele on their radar for a move in 2019, in what would be something of a surprise.

Liverpool already have Fabinho, Keita, Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner in midfield, whilst Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should be back next summer, meaning another central midfield signing would be a shock unless there is a surprise exit on the cards.