Final summer season was all about Liverpool seeking to signal a defensive midfielder and this summer season appears to be heading the identical manner.
Wataru Endo, a last-gasp summer season 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 trying 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 supply from Marseille for Endo was that Liverpool consider there’s a lack of appropriate, reasonably priced and obtainable No. 6s available in the market.”
Which may be true, and don’t neglect Liverpool have huge ambitions for Stefan Bajcetic, but when the Reds have been to enterprise into the market, listed below 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 assume he can develop.
Fortunately for Ederson, he’s displaying promise throughout a number of sides of his sport, notably in his ahead passing.
During the last yr, he has managed extra progressive passes per 90 minutes than 81 p.c of comparable gamers in Europe’s prime 5 leagues, in response to FBRef.
Apparently nonetheless, 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The one participant on this checklist with Premier League expertise, Gomes is simply 23 years outdated and already deemed certainly one of Brazil’s key midfielders.
This summer season, 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 comparable gamers in Europe’s prime 5 leagues.
Whereas glorious at breaking down assaults, he’s much less gifted going ahead than a number of the Reds’ different choices.
That is one thing that may push him down the checklist for Liverpool, given they’ll be very possession-based beneath Slot. Curtis Jones even mentioned: “The centre-mids are going to be extra the guts of the staff.”
Joao Gomes is one other who has repeatedly had his identify written in affiliation with the Reds, although there have been no concrete stories 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 closing of Euro 2024, England followers believed their possibilities of successful had simply obtained a substantial enhance.
His alternative, although, Martin Zubimendi ensured optimism was short-lived as he put in a wonderful show to maintain management of the midfield within the closing.
Like most of his Spanish teammates, he’s assured on the ball and fearless when dealing with his personal objective. One thing that will put Liverpool off, although, is the actual fact his fundamental stats don’t truly examine too effectively with others’.
For instance, he’s within the 62nd percentile of comparable gamers for his progressive passing and simply the 69th percentile for cross completion – this means that his passing isn’t notably courageous generally.
Having mentioned that, Liverpool’s scouts have entry to far better insights than us!
Alan Varela – Porto
Age: 23
2023/24 membership apps: 44
Argentina U23 caps: 4
Alan Varela is great on the ball and made an enormous 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 might step as much as the very best degree, and isn’t restricted to success within the Primeira Liga.
In the mean time, 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 might probably be a very good 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 might be missing with Adrian, Thiago and Joel Matip all leaving.
As a technically glorious participant who’s at all times seeking to break strains along with his passing, his signature would get followers excited.
Nonetheless, it nearly actually received’t occur as it might 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 season transfer.
It appears that is coming from the participant’s finish, with Bayern presently going by a interval of uncertainty.
