Liverpool should be looking to bolster their midfield during 2026, with the January transfer window offering them the first chance to do that.
The Reds have arguably greater needs in both defence and attack, but Arne Slot and Richard Hughes must not overlook the shortcomings in midfield either.
No midfielder has been signed since 2023, when Liverpool did four excellent pieces of business.
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While their options are still good, Slot does not trust Wataru Endo, meaning he is effectively choosing four players for four positions, not including Florian Wirtz.
Clearly, there is a need to bring in a player who the head coach is willing to count on in any given match. Though January could be a difficult time to sign the right one, Fabrizio Romano has just opened the door to a poetic deal to sign former Wolves man Ruben Neves.
Liverpool should pounce on Ruben Neves bargain
As Romano points out, Neves’ contract at Al Hilal expires next summer, and the Portuguese is looking for a new club ahead of the World Cup.
“Ruben Neves has not signed new deal yet at Al Hilal despite proposal on the table for weeks,” says the transfer expert.
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“Current deal expires in June 2026… and several European top clubs have started approaches over potential move in January. Seen as potential big opportunity in midfield.”
Premier League proven, versatile in midfield and still in the prime of his career at 28, Neves could be exactly what Liverpool need.
On top of that, the Portugal international was the best friend of late Liverpool star Diogo Jota. Neves flew home from the Club World Cup in July to be a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral. It is clear that their bond ran beyond friendship: they were brothers.
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While this is not a reason alone to bring Neves to Anfield, the Reds’ needs for a midfielder coupled with his quality and likely cheap fee means Liverpool should be sounding this deal out.
On top of that, the emotional side of a potential transfer would make it a poetic, even beautiful decision for Liverpool to make.
Is Ruben Neves still any good?
Had Liverpool signed Neves when he left Wolves for Saudi Arabia in 2023, there would have been few complaints. One of the most consistent Premier League midfielders during five years in the division at Molineux, he looked ready for a step up.
Sadly, Neves decided to chase a payday in the Middle East, and has surprisingly spent the past two-and-a-half years effectively playing in a retirement league.
| Ruben Neves in the Premier League with Wolves | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2018/19 | 35 | 4 | 3 |
| 2019/20 | 38 | 2 | 2 |
| 2020/21 | 36 | 5 | 1 |
| 2021/22 | 33 | 4 | 2 |
| 2022/23 | 35 | 6 | 1 |
That would beg the question for many Liverpool supporters of whether the 28-year-old is actually still any good.
Although it may take him a little time to get back up to speed in the Premier League, Neves has continued to play for the Portuguese national team while in Saudi, and remains an important player in one of the best national teams on the planet.
He has hit an impressive 15 goals and 28 assists in 114 matches for Al Hilal, suggesting he is still a level or two above his current surroundings, and if the price is right, Neves really could end up being an astute buy for the Reds. A move is possible, Liverpool just need to set it in motion.
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