Final summer time was all about Liverpool trying to signal a defensive midfielder and this summer time appears to be heading the identical approach.
Wataru Endo, a last-gasp summer time signing after failed pursuits of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, wasn’t signed as a long-term successor to Fabinho, and now, amid curiosity from different golf equipment, supporters are wanting on the switch market once more within the hope Liverpool may signal a defensive midfielder.
The Athletic‘s James Pearce reported that “one of many components in turning down the provide from Marseille for Endo was that Liverpool consider there’s a lack of appropriate, inexpensive and obtainable No. 6s out there.”
Which may be true, and don’t overlook Liverpool have large ambitions for Stefan Bajcetic, but when the Reds have been to enterprise into the market, listed here are a few of their choices…
Ederson – Atalanta
Age: 25
2023/24 membership apps: 53
Brazil caps: 2
Liverpool supporters received’t have fond reminiscences of Ederson, with the Brazilian having began each legs of Liverpool’s dismal Europa League exit in opposition to Atalanta.
Any switch wouldn’t be sanctioned purely off the impression made in particular person by the 25-year-old, although. Liverpool would solely sanction a transfer primarily based on a big pattern of performances and the attributes they suppose he can develop.
Fortunately for Ederson, he’s exhibiting promise throughout a number of aspects of his sport, significantly in his ahead passing.
Over the past yr, he has managed extra progressive passes per 90 minutes than 81 p.c of comparable gamers in Europe’s prime 5 leagues, based on FBRef.
Apparently nevertheless, the following man on this checklist was picked forward of him throughout Brazil’s 2024 Copa America run.
Joao Gomes – Wolves
Age: 23
2023/24 membership apps: 38
Brazil caps: 8
The one participant on this checklist with Premier League expertise, Gomes is simply 23 years previous and already deemed certainly one of Brazil’s key midfielders.
This summer time, he began in each certainly one of their Copa America matches, earlier than they have been knocked out on penalties within the quarter-finals by Darwin Nunez‘s Uruguay.
The Wolves man is a tackling machine, averaging 4.35 per 90 minutes and rating within the prime one p.c when in comparison with related gamers in Europe’s prime 5 leagues.
Whereas wonderful at breaking down assaults, he’s much less gifted going ahead than a few of the Reds’ different choices.
That is one thing that may push him down the checklist for Liverpool, given they’re going to be very possession-based underneath Slot. Curtis Jones even stated: “The centre-mids are going to be extra the center of the workforce.”
Joao Gomes is one other who has repeatedly had his identify written in affiliation with the Reds, although there have been no concrete studies confirming Liverpool’s curiosity but.
Martin Zubimendi – Actual Sociedad
Age: 25
2023/24 membership apps: 45
Spain caps: 10
When Rodri was compelled off at half time within the ultimate of Euro 2024, England followers believed their probabilities of successful had simply acquired a substantial enhance.
His alternative, although, Martin Zubimendi ensured optimism was short-lived as he put in a superb show to maintain management of the midfield within the ultimate.
Like most of his Spanish teammates, he’s assured on the ball and fearless when dealing with his personal aim. One thing which will put Liverpool off, although, is the very fact his primary stats don’t truly evaluate too nicely with others’.
For instance, he’s within the 62nd percentile of comparable gamers for his progressive passing and simply the 69th percentile for move completion – this implies that his passing isn’t significantly courageous on the whole.
Having stated that, Liverpool’s scouts have entry to far higher insights than us!
Alan Varela – Porto
Age: 23
2023/24 membership apps: 44
Argentina U23 caps: 4
Alan Varela is superb on the ball and made a giant impression at Porto final season, taking part in 44 occasions throughout all competitions and catching the eye of Argentina’s under-23 coach, Javier Mascherano.
One of many highlights of his season was Porto’s 1-0 win over Arsenal within the Champions League spherical of 16.
Although they have been knocked out on penalties within the subsequent second leg, Varela confirmed he may step as much as the very best stage, and isn’t restricted to success within the Primeira Liga.
In the meanwhile, this switch appears unlikely to occur, particularly given Merseyside journalists have rebuked the rumours, however he’s the profile of participant Liverpool would search for.
Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich
Age: 29
2023/24 membership apps: 43
Germany caps: 91
It is a little bit of a wildcard shout given Joshua Kimmich’s age, however he may probably be an excellent match for Slot’s aspect.
Having received 13 main trophies at Bayern Munich throughout the final eight years, he could be an skilled head to have within the squad, one thing Liverpool may very well be missing with Adrian, Thiago and Joel Matip all leaving.
As a technically wonderful participant who’s all the time trying to break strains together with his passing, his signature would get followers excited.
Nonetheless, it nearly actually received’t occur as it will stray from the membership’s switch technique.
Final we heard, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg acknowledged Liverpool are certainly one of 5 golf equipment in “consideration” for Kimmich, with the midfielder open to a summer time transfer.
It appears that is coming from the participant’s finish, with Bayern at present going by way of a interval of uncertainty.
