Final summer time was all about Liverpool trying to signal a defensive midfielder and this summer time appears to be heading the identical method.
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 supply from Marseille for Endo was that Liverpool consider there’s a lack of appropriate, inexpensive and obtainable No. 6s available in the market.”
Which may be true, and don’t overlook Liverpool have massive ambitions for Stefan Bajcetic, but when the Reds had been to enterprise into the market, listed here are a few of their choices…
Ederson – Atalanta
Age: 252023/24 membership apps: 53Brazil caps: 2
Liverpool supporters gained’t have fond recollections of Ederson, with the Brazilian having began each legs of Liverpool’s dismal Europa League exit towards Atalanta.
Any switch wouldn’t be sanctioned purely off the impression made in individual by the 25-year-old, although. Liverpool would solely sanction a transfer based mostly on a big pattern of performances and the attributes they suppose he can develop.
Fortunately for Ederson, he’s displaying promise throughout a number of aspects of his recreation, significantly in his ahead passing.
During the last yr, he has managed extra progressive passes per 90 minutes than 81 % of comparable gamers in Europe’s prime 5 leagues, in response to FBRef.
Curiously nevertheless, the following man on this checklist was picked forward of him throughout Brazil’s 2024 Copa America run.
Joao Gomes – Wolves
Age: 232023/24 membership apps: 38Brazil caps: 8
The one participant on this checklist with Premier League expertise, Gomes is simply 23 years previous and already deemed one in all Brazil’s key midfielders.
This summer time, he began in each one in all their Copa America matches, earlier than they had 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 % 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 can push him down the checklist for Liverpool, given they will be very possession-based beneath Slot. Curtis Jones even mentioned: “The centre-mids are going to be extra the guts of the crew.”
Joao Gomes is one other who has repeatedly had his title written in affiliation with the Reds, although there have been no concrete stories confirming Liverpool’s curiosity but.
Martin Zubimendi – Actual Sociedad
Age: 252023/24 membership apps: 45Spain 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 increase.
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 ultimate.
Like most of his Spanish teammates, he’s assured on the ball and fearless when going through his personal aim. One thing that will put Liverpool off, although, is the very 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 go completion – this means that his passing isn’t significantly courageous generally.
Having mentioned that, Liverpool’s scouts have entry to far better insights than us!
Alan Varela – Porto
Age: 232023/24 membership apps: 44Argentina U23 caps: 4
Alan Varela is great on the ball and made an enormous impression at Porto final season, taking part in 44 instances 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 had 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.
For the time being, 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: 292023/24 membership apps: 43Germany caps: 91
It is a little bit of a wildcard shout given Joshua Kimmich’s age, however he may probably be match for Slot’s facet.
Having gained 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 could possibly be missing with Adrian, Thiago and Joel Matip all leaving.
As a technically wonderful participant who’s at all times trying to break traces together with his passing, his signature would get followers excited.
Nonetheless, it nearly actually gained’t occur as it might stray from the membership’s switch technique.
Final we heard, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg said Liverpool are one in all 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 a interval of uncertainty.
