Liverpool fans were taken aback by the summer exits of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, and even more so when the Reds completed the transfer window with only one defensive midfielder in Wataru Endo.

So far, Liverpool’s choice has been a success, with Jürgen Klopp’s team sitting just three points off the top of the standings and one point behind Manchester City ahead of a favorable forthcoming schedule. However, the rebuild is far from complete, with no long-term replacement for Fabinho identified, though a possibility is beginning to emerge following an impressive 2022/23 season.

And it didn’t look like he’d be playing in the Premier League on deadline day before a move to Bayern Munich fell through.

Fulham’s Joao Palhinha, like Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo, was one of the Premier League’s breakout talents last season, rating high in a number of crucial defensive categories — but it is the Portuguese star who has made a name for himself this season.

Palhinha has more blocks, tackles, and interceptions per game than Caicedo, and his numbers have distinguished him in the Premier League. Alexis MacAllister has been the most frequently used number six for Liverpool this season, and despite not being his natural position, he has impressed.

According to FBref, Mac Allister averages 7.94 total defensive actions per 90 minutes, which includes clearances in addition to the other three categories where Palhinha outperforms Caicedo. Diogo Jota’s Portuguese compatriot leads the way with 10.76 defensive actions per 90, a number better than Caicedo (5.80 per 90) and Enzo Fernández (5.13 per 90) combined – just 0.17 points short of matching both Chelsea stalwarts.

Palhinha’s form does not appear to be slowing down ahead of January, when Bayern Munich is likely to reemerge for his signing. A contract with Fulham had previously been negotiated for $71 million (£56 million/€65 million), and while it would be a slightly higher investment than Liverpool is used to for players his age (28 years old), there would at least be a guarantee of obtaining a player who could make an immediate impact.

Although Mac Allister has impressed in his deeper roles, he is naturally more comfortable further forward, suggesting that Klopp hasn’t seen the best of the Argentina star yet. And, while Endo has shown signs of being a vital addition to the club, he was not brought in as a direct replacement for Fabinho.

Given recent deals for Thiago Alcântara and Ryan Gravenberch, there is clearly a good relationship between Liverpool and Bayern, and while that could be harmed if the Reds hijacked a previously agreed-upon transfer, the value of completing the midfield rebuild is far greater. If Palhinha maintains his present form, which has seen him establish Premier League standards, he might be the obvious choice for an excellent Fabinho successor — and a player who Liverpool should undoubtedly keep an eye on as the January transfer window approaches.