Recent rumours have emerged that Brazilian Lucas Leiva is unhappy at his current club Liverpool and is looking to leave in order to find first team football elsewhere.
Over the course of last season, he gradually lost his starting spot to Jordan Henderson due to picking up a ligament injury and the good form of the Englishman. This season, Lucas Leiva has only played 128 minutes of Premier League football.
The 27 year old’s contract at the Merseyside club doesn’t expire till June 2017, so The Reds may be reluctant to let the defensive midfielder leave unless they receive a good offer for his services.
Nevertheless, here are FIVE possible transfer destinations for Lucas Leiva in January.
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Napoli
The Italian side were interested in acquiring the Brazilian’s talents last summer. This would have seen Lucas Leiva link up with former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez. The Spaniard has always held the 27-year-old in high esteem and may try and bid for the player again in January. A move never materialised last summer though because both parties couldn’t reach a satisfactory agreement.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan are also interested in moving Lucas Leiva to Italy. Reports linked him with the Italian side last May but no offer was made. This could all change in January due to Inter’s recent shortcomings in defence in Serie A. Recent results mean they are currently sitting in 8th in the league. They could do with a player like Lucas Leiva, who is very good at tackling and ball intercepting, to help tighten up their defence.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur would be a good move for Lucas Leiva. The North London side are currently letting in too many goals in defence and the Brazilian could help them solve this problem. Liverpool, however, may be hesitant to sell the Brazilian to a team that would be competing with them for a European spot in the league.
Manchester City
Manchester City is another destination for Lucas Leiva. The Citizens currently have Fernando, Fernandinho, or Frank Lampard pairing up with Yaya Toure every week in defensive midfield. However, with the Englishman’s loan contract coming to its end and the Brazilian pair not playing to the standard expected, they could be looking in the transfer market for another defensive midfielder. Unlike Fernando and Fernandinho, Lucas Leiva has Premier League experience on his side as he has been at Liverpool for over seven years. The Reds could be unwilling to sell to a title rival, but the amount of money which City could put on the table may force them to change their minds.
Borussia Dortmund
The German side are in a major crisis as they currently reside in 15th place in the Bundesliga, one point away from falling into the relegation play-off spot. Whilst they have scored nearly just as many goals as second place team Borussia Monchengladbach, they are conceding too many goals at the back as they have let in 15 goals this season after nine games. With the likely possibility of Marcos Reus and Mats Hummels leaving the club soon, it is vital BVB bring someone in that can stop the side from spiralling out of control and avoid relegation. Lucas Leiva and his defensive contributions could be that player.
