Liverpool’s summer transfer business is coming back under the microscope for more or less the first time since the window closed. The immediate impact made by the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister had silenced any criticism, but a run of two games without a win has shifted focus back onto the deals that were not done.
Whether or not that’s fair is another question, with Liverpool’s sole defeat coming courtesy of a calamitous VAR error. But the draw with Brighton, which saw Mac Allister struggle in the deepest midfield role upon the return to his old club, has led many to question anew whether Jürgen Klopp might have needed to buy an elite specialist number six to truly challenge for the title.
Meanwhile, the lack of defensive recruitment has threatened to be a talking point amid early-season injuries, but the form of young Jarell Quansah when called upon has calmed the nerves in that respect. Nonetheless, center-back still seems likely to feature on the list of upcoming transfer market priorities.
André (Fluminense)
Liverpool showed an interest in Brazilian midfielder André Trindade over the summer. In fact, Football Insider claims the club made ‘multiple bids’.
However, Fluminense was intent on keeping its midfield star for the Copa Libertadores, in which it has now advanced to the final. That will be played against Boca Juniors on November 4.
After that, a transfer could be back on the table in January. And the same publication claims Liverpool has ‘not given up hope’, and will ‘push’ for André in the winter window. He has been made a priority target.
Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting)
Liverpool could be joined by Real Madrid in a race for Sporting center-back Gonçalo Inácio. That’s per Defensa Central.
Real Madrid’s head scout is watching Inácio with ‘special attention’. Meanwhile, Liverpool ‘will seek to acquire his services’ too.
Sporting confirmed in the summer that Inácio had signed a new contract containing a $64m (£52m/€60m) release clause. He is left-footed, an increasingly coveted asset among top sides looking to establish balance in the build-up phase.
