"A good chance": Journalist predicts disastrous transfer window outcome for Liverpool

Neil Jones has issued a transfer warning as Liverpool prepare to offload Jordan Henderson and Fabinho amid their midfield rebuild.

The Reds began the summer transfer window by releasing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita from their contracts and sending Arthur Melo back to Juventus after his loan expired.

They then followed this with exciting deals for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai and are working hard to sign Romeo Lavia from Southampton although the Saints are playing hardball over their £50m valuation of the 19-year-old.

However, selling both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho does not seem entirely thought out and risks leaving Liverpool exposed in midfield again if they are not appropriately replaced.

I recently wrote about these concerns and it seems reliable Liverpool reporter Neil Jones shares them, saying: "I think there is a good chance that Liverpool will actually look weaker when the season starts because it will be very hard to replace Fabinho and Henderson."

Before the news broke that both would leave the club, the understanding among fans and journalists was that Liverpool needed three new midfielders.

While Lavia would be that third if he was signed, that means Liverpool still need another two to accommodate for losing Henderson and Fabinho.

To make matters worse, Lavia is just 19. He's exceptionally talented and should become a top player in due course but you cannot ignore his lack of experience.

It's particularly concerning given the understanding needed to play in the no.6 role. Very few teenage midfielders have ever starred in this role for a side with aspirations of challenging for the Premier League title.

Without knowing what Liverpool have in store for the rest of the summer, it's difficult not to feel a little bit uneasy about the Reds' prospects heading into the new season.

Liverpool travel to face Chelsea in the opening game of the season and it will be interesting to see which side is more impressive after both failed to qualify for the Champions League last season.