Liverpool have urgent problem approaching but ‘magnificent’ £75m signing would fix it

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Liverpool have a problem approaching in the summer but Declan Rice joining would fix it. The Reds need to do something.

Liverpool will make moves in 2023 as they try to rebuild their midfield. Not only is that area of the squad struggling but there’s about to be a massive hole in it.

Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner are all out of contract in 2023. Suggestions are that they’ll leave and take Liverpool’s squad depth with them.

But that would also create another problem. Liverpool have two homegrown players there – players they need in order to have flexibility in the transfer market. Premier League sides are only allowed 17 players who didn’t develop in England.

It’s not as simple as signing the best players to replace them, then. Liverpool need to replace their homegrown status, too, as well as improve the quality in midfield.

Jude Bellingham is one player who can do it but the Reds would still be down one homegrown player. And that’s if they can seven secure the world’s most in-demand player.

We think they should target another, then – Declan Rice.

Declan Rice joining Liverpool

The Liverpool Echo claims that the Reds watched Declan Rice over the World Cup and were impressed. He’s on their shortlist for the summer – but it’ll be a difficult transfer to pull off.

One that would be well worth it, though. Rice is a fantastic player – magnificent, in the words of Gary Lineker – and one who appears ready to step into the elite level.

We’re also not sure there’s a better signing alongside Bellingham. The pair of them looked fantastic together at the World Cup, particularly alongside Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.

Journalist Ben Jacobs believes Rice could be available for around £75m in the summer. It’s a lot of money but would secure a player we think could thrive under Jurgen Klopp – and tick the homegrown box in the process.