The Reds have made three midfield acquisitions so far this summer in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo. They’ve also waved goodbye to Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo, leaving Jurgen Klopp with a deficit of three in terms of engine room depth this season.
Klopp and the Reds’ hierarchy are still in the market for another player before Friday’s deadline passes, with a ‘multi-functional’ midfielder supposedly being sought.
But who could it be? Here are five of the most reported on targets ranked by likelihood of a deal happening.
As reported by Anfield Watch, Fluminense are open to selling Andre for a club-record €25m (£21.5m), but – crucially – are not willing to allow their star midfielder to depart before the end of their ongoing Copa Libertadores campaign.
While the Reds tried to test Fluminense’s resolve with a bid this summer, it was immediately knocked back and a deal now looks dead in the water with Liverpool changing focus.
The one-cap Brazilian remains one of South America’s hottest prospects, however, and has been linked with Fulham and Sporting CP, as well as Liverpool.
Expect transfer talk to flare back up in the winter window, but the chances of a signing before Friday are next to non-existent.
KALVIN PHILLIPS
Now, don’t get annoyed at me, but Phillips might be the most talented player on this shortlist.
Prior to his poor/injury-riddled season for Manchester City last term, the 27-year-old would be ranked as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League.
Fitness issues have plagued the Englishman since his £42m move from Leeds, but when fully firing, his impact in the midfield can’t be ignored.
A brilliant carrier with the ball, as well as his strong defensive attributes, the England Men’s Player of the Year 2020/21 could be a fabulous signing for the Reds. However, the chances of Manchester City selling to one of their biggest rivals are very, very slim.
Additionally, having let go of Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain, the last thing Liverpool need right now is another midfielder with availability issues.
If this was going to happen, it would’ve happened while Phillips was still at Leeds.
SOFYAN AMRABAT
Since impressing at the Qatar World Cup in December for semi-finalists Morocco, Amrabat has been on the radar of teams all over Europe, most notably Liverpool and Manchester United.
The 27-year-old certainly has the experience and pedigree to get stuck straight into Liverpool’s midfield and would be a signing for now rather than the future. However, it seems the Reds passed up the chance to land the Fiorentina star in order to sign Wataru Endo.
Fabrizio Romano is among those to report that Liverpool have pulled out of the race for Amrabat, with the smart money now on the Moroccan joining United this summer.
CHEICK DOUCOURE
Doucoure might be the player Liverpool fans (at least those online) are the most keen to see arrive at Anfield this summer.
Crystal Palace have valued the 23-year-old at £60-70m, which in today’s inflated market would probably make sense, especially after Moises Caicedo’s £115m move to Chelsea.
Having made 35 appearances across all competitions last season, the Mali international beat the likes of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze to win Palace’s Player of the season for the 2022/23 campaign.
A strong, agile and quick defensive midfielder, Doucoure would certainly match the build of Fabinho, who performed so brilliantly for Liverpool over the years. Prior to his £22m move to Palace in 2022, Doucoure was also used in another more progressive roles during his time at Lens.
It would take a big, big move in the final days of the window to pull off a deal, but – after the Caicedo/Lavia saga – we all know the money is there. Don’t rule it out.
RYAN GRAVENBERCH
Probably Liverpool’s most linked midfielder in the last few days, the Dutchman would certainly be an eye-catching addition for Klopp’s side.
Still just 21 years of age, the Bayern Munich number 38 would definitely suit Liverpool’s transfer style, as a young, technically gifted player who would be able to develop under Klopp.
After impressing brilliantly for Ajax in the 2021/22 season, Gravenberch moved to Germany at the beginning of last season, but has fallen out of favour in Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Rumours have recently suggested that Bayern Munich are open to selling their 6ft 3in midfielder, who can play as a number six as well as in a more advanced role and has drawn comparisons to fellow Dutchman and Liverpool legend Gini Wijnaldum.
Manchester United are also interested, however.
