Harvey Elliott should be set for a bigger role at Liverpool next season after reports that a new midfielder won’t be targeted this summer.
According to The Times this morning, Liverpool won’t look to sign a new midfielder during the transfer window. Instead, The Reds will attempt to reinforce the middle of the pitch next year.
This is slightly disconcerting news at a positive time for the club in the window. With Darwin Nunez on the way for big bucks, it’s a reminder that Liverpool have to be frugal in the market.
It also shows that if the right player isn’t available, Liverpool won’t waste time on second-choices.
While it’s disappointing to hear, it could mean an opportunity arises for Elliott.
Elliott ready for round two
After catching Klopp’s eye in pre-season last year, Elliott began the campaign as a surprise starter for Liverpool.
Previously seen as a wide option, Klopp began to reinvent him as a creative right-sided midfielder.
Injury disrupted this of course, and Elliott couldn’t really get going once he re-joined the squad in the new year.
But the 19-year-old showed his quality with three assists in one game for England U21’s last week. His teammates at England are convinced that he’s an ‘unbelievable’ player, and Klopp is too.
If he can get another full pre-season under his belt for Liverpool he can once again be a proper option.
Places up for grabs in midfield
In an ideal world, Liverpool would have been able to secure the signing of reported top target Aurelien Tchouamnei this summer.
It appears that having assessed other options, The Reds are prepared to wait. Jude Bellingham could be available next summer and he would seem a likely candidate.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder is just two months younger than Elliott. The thought of the two of them patrolling Liverpool’s midfield for the next decade is an enticing one.
Before then though, Elliott must grasp this opportunity. Outside the first-choice duo of Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara, there is uncertainty over who is Klopp’s next pick.
Jordan Henderson played more than anyone else last season and Naby Keita hit a personal record for appearances too. But neither look guaranteed to be in Klopp’s eleven. As Elliott did last summer, he must go and turn the manager’s head his way.
If he can do that, with no new name in-front of him, he could yet force his way in.