Three Liverpool-linked players who would instantly solve their midfield problem, including £51m 23-year-old

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Liverpool can look at these three transfers to instantly fix their midfield problem. The Reds have been linked with some stars.

Liverpool have a problem in midfield right now. It certainly isn’t in quantity – the Reds boast seven or eight players to fill their three central spots. But the quality there is questionable.

Or at least, the options Jurgen Klopp can actually call on might not be what he needs in midfield. Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago are all world-class players but the three of them have questionable injury histories. Thiago, in fact, went off against Fulham.

Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also have those doubts but without nailing down first-team places. Their contracts also expire in a year. James Milner’s does, too, and at 36, isn’t a long-term option. Then there are Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Fabio Carvalho, none of whom quite have the necessary experience in midfield yet.

And all of that is why, as the Athletic points out, Klopp has gone from ‘definitely no transfers’ to ‘we don’t need anyone new right now’ to ‘it would have to make sense short-term and long-term’ in the space of two months.

So say Liverpool did enter the market, who would they chase? We have a look at three signings who could truly fix their midfield problem right away.

Liverpool midfield transfers

Jude Bellingham

Let’s start with the most obvious. There is little doubt that Liverpool want Bellingham – as the Athletic’s article points out. Fabrizio Romano recently claim that the Reds had made calls this summer, too. Borussia Dortmund won’t sell, though.

And so we just can’t see this one happening in 2022. 2023 is very possible, admittedly, but we don’t believe Liverpool can sign him for this season. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t try again.

Bellingham is about as perfect as it gets as a midfield signing and he should be priority one. Even at a ridiculous price.

We just think Liverpool might need to look elsewhere if they’re concerned about this season.

Matheus Nunes

Reports out of Portugal have consistently claimed that Liverpool want Nunes from Sporting CP. Correio de Manha are one of those, with O Jogo claiming the price is £51m for the 23-year-old.

It doesn’t sound as though Sporting want to sell but the right price would almost certainly trigger things. Nunes might be a player to pay over the odds for, too, as his playing style looks wonderfully suited for Liverpool.

This might be the most realistic option for the Reds right now if they want a strong midfield signing.

Nico Barella

We have our doubts that Liverpool are actually interested in Barella but there have certainly been claims that they are. CalcioMercatoWeb are the most recent outlet saying it – we don’t hold them in high regard, however.

Gazzetta Dello Sport were one of several Italian outlets claiming there was interest a year ago, though. Barella was on top of the world after a Serie A title with Inter and then Euro 2020 with Italy. He earned praise from Fabio Capello calling him one of the three best in Europe.

It seems hard to believe that Inter would sell right at the end of the transfer window but a large offer could always tempt them. Barella would be something of a statement signing for Liverpool and one who could lead their midfield for a long time to come.

Surely, he’s worth a look.