Everyone knows that Liverpool need new midfielders this summer. It’s been obvious to many since before the season even started.
Back then, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp didn’t appear to share the same view. But as per quotes from his pre-Leeds United press conference yesterday, Jurgen has now changed his tune.
“There’s maybe 12 midfielders we could sign,” said the 55-year-old. “There are a lot of good players out there and we are interested in all good players. Some of them hopefully will end up here.” There’s no hopefully about it, Liverpool need two, three or even four of those targets at Anfield next season. Here are the 12 names we think make up Jurgen’s ‘dirty dozen’ – and who’s most likely to be signed.
The leading contenders
Had we drawn up this list just last week, Jude Bellingham’s name would have featured front and centre. But now that the Borussia Dortmund man is no longer of interest to Liverpool, Klopp has had to find himself a new ‘top target.’
By all accounts, the light seems to have shone on Chelsea’s Mason Mount in that regard. He’s no Bellingham, but Mount would certainly be a relatively exciting signing for the Reds.
So too would either – or both – of Brighton pair Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister. Reliably linked by the all-knowing Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool’s interest in the South American duo would appear to be genuine.
The pretenders
Beyond that quite exciting trio of potential transfers, there have been a few links that have got Liverpool fans talking for all the wrong reasons. Conor Gallagher is chief among these unfortunate players. A move to Anfield for Gallagher wouldn’t be too popular among the fan base, but he does look like being a genuine option all the same. As does another underperforming Premier League star – Wolves’ Matheus Nunes.
Desperate as Liverpool are, they may have to focus on signing players out of favour with their clubs. Gallagher probably falls into this bracket, even if Nunes doesn’t quite. Another who perhaps may be gladly moved on is Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch.
The outside chances
With so many names on Liverpool’s list, there are bound to be some more likely to join than others. The ‘others’ in that sense would appear to be the likes of Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, who would feel like an unlikely arrival.
Declan Rice is another who has been often linked with Liverpool, but for mainly monetary reasons would seem to be a non-starter. Another excellent young international – Khephren Thuram – may also just about have slipped out of Liverpool’s grasp given his rise to stardom. So too, might Sofyan Amrabat, after his performances at last year’s World up.
The dark horses
It’s unclear just where Liverpool will eventually finish in the Premier League this season. As a result, they have to keep their options open in regards to summer dealings.
Sure, they’d like some names on this list far more than others, but in the end they may have to settle for some slightly lesser-known faces.
Should the worst come to the worst, we see the likes of Luka Sucic and Teun Koopmeiners being turned to in the Reds’ hour of need. Let’s hope it doesn’t quite come to that!
All in all, Liverpool are likely to end up with a mixture of two or three from this list – or even some not on it at all. Hopefully it’ll be whittled down until the Reds find exactly who they need. There’s a lot of work to do.