Lucas Leiva Reportedly Set for Anfield Stay

When rumours about a potential move to Galatasaray for Lucas Leiva first surfaced this summer, Liverpool were quick to make clear that it wasn’t an option being driven by the club’s desire to sell the veteran Brazilian. All things being equal, the suggestion was that Jürgen Klopp would love to keep Lucas around.

However, despite his ability to fill in in midfield and defence, it was unlikely that Lucas would see the pitch as a regular starter if he remained at the club. And so Liverpool were content to allow Lucas to move on, should he wish to, for the sake of finding a new home that could give him the playing time he craved.

Now, though, that’s looking less likely, as mounting injury concerns—including a minor knock picked up by Lucas—have Klopp worried about his depth options should Lucas depart. That means that, at least according to the Liverpool Echo, Lucas will be sticking around. At least for the immediate future.

It’s possible that if the club’s current injury list clears up before the end of August or if defensive reinforcements are sourced on the transfer market, Lucas would once again be free to leave. But for the time being, due to the recent spate of injuries, Klopp is worried he could live to regret letting the versatile veteran leave.

If Lucas does remain at the club, it seems likely 2016-17 would be his final season, as the 29-year-old is down to the final year of his contract. The veteran is valued for his steady, veteran presence at Anfield, but with injuries having taken a toll, it’s clear sooner or later he will have to move on in search of playing time.