£25m midfielder reaches agreement after being linked with Liverpool

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Liverpool currently look unlikely to do much business during the January transfer window.

The Reds have so far been ponderous in the market under the leadership of new sporting director Richard Hughes.

And although there are certain areas of the Liverpool squad which look in need of a little renovation, nothing appears to be imminent for the Reds.

If it were up to supporters, that would be different. It’s common consensus amongst the fanbase that Liverpool could do with a different option in midfield, for example.

Liverpool tried to sign Martin Zubimendi over the summer but with the Spaniard still looking probable to stay at Real Sociedad, the Reds are better off looking at other targets.

As a result, claims that Liverpool are looking at Torino’s Samuele Ricci were certainly interesting. But with the January window now open, it appears that Ricci wants to take a different direction.

Samuele Ricci signs new Torino deal

Liverpool’s midfield has managed exceptionally well throughout the season so far. However, Arne Slot will be wary of bleeding Ryan Gravenberch in particular a little dry.

Gravenberch has been a revelation as Liverpool’s deepest lying midfielder.

But with Slot not convinced by Wataru Endo, there has not been a lot of rotation for the 22-year-old.

Bringing in a new player – a player who fits Slot’s mould – during the winter window would allow Liverpool to go easier on Gravenberch for the rest of the campaign.

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Ricci would look like an interesting option in that respect, but according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Italian has just signed a new contract to stay at Torino.

“Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci has signed new long term deal at the club until June 2028,” says the journalist. “Agreement sealed.”

Is Ricci still an option for Liverpool?

Ricci has been superb for Torino this season. The 22-year-old is coming into his own as a big player for both club and country.

As a result, it is no real surprise to see Torino try and tie him down for the long-term.

Previous reports had suggested that Liverpool could have signed Ricci for around £25m. With a new long-term contract behind him, it feels likely that his club can now ask for more.

Nevertheless, that should not necessarily mean Ricci will fall off Liverpool’s radar. Hughes is known to be keen on exploring the Italian markets having grown up in the country and he’ll no doubt be aware of the player’s quality.

So, despite this latest development, we would still be keeping an eye on Ricci for Liverpool. Especially if it transpires that the Italy international’s contract has a release clause baked in.