After Trent Alexander-Arnold’s disastrous England experiment and Wataru Endo’s proposal, Liverpool may need a new midfield player this summer.
The first new player of the summer will undoubtedly be wondering when preseason kicks off at Anfield, and even the Reds’ current players are starting to have similar concerns.
Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes may have received a tip from a current Liverpool player, but it’s unclear which area they will focus on initially. Wataru Endo has recommended the Reds acquire a new defensive midfielder, even if it would cost him a spot in the starting lineup.
He stated via MSN, “I think it would be better to get a No. 6 midfielder, but I don’t care about those reports.” “I believe there’s a chance they see [Alexis] Mac Allister as a No. 6, but there aren’t many No. 6 players in the league right now.”
Liverpool had a significant midfield makeover last season, but Thiago Alcantara’s departure suggests that the defensive position could use some strengthening. Furthermore, following Gareth Southgate’s disastrous experiment for England, it’s possible that any thoughts of Trent Alexander-Arnold moving permanently into the engine room are now mooted.
Who then might the Reds look to replace No. 6? Five possibilities that Slot and Hughes might want to think about have been examined by Liverpool.com.
Ederson
Reports circulating in the early summer months suggested that Ederson, an Atalanta star, would be joining Anfield. Even though the rumors have considerably subsided, Liverpool should still give the Brazilian some thought.
At 24, he still has a lot of his best years ahead of him. He just finished an incredible season in Italy, where he played a major role in his club’s Europa League victory. Because of his performance, he was able to make his international debut for Brazil earlier this month. He is presently playing in the Copa America in the United States.
Joshua Kimmich:
Liverpool has long been linked to the German international, but it appears like there may be a genuine chance to get him this summer. Florian Plettenberg claims that Bayern Munich will not be extending his contract past 2025 and that they will permit him to depart in the event that a better offer is made.
In addition, it’s reported that Kimmich wants to play for Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool. Although he is older than the typical Liverpool target at 29, he would still provide a flexible option because he can easily cover at right-back as well.
João Neves
This summer, Liverpool hasn’t had many strong ties to Joao Neves; by contrast, Manchester United and Arsenal have established considerably stronger ties. However, earlier this month, Portuguese publication CM Jornal did imply that the Reds are prepared to make a sizable offer for the 19-year-old.
He would undoubtedly be a player of the future, but Liverpool would prefer someone with more experience, especially with Stefan Bajcetic waiting in the wings. Benfica is known for negotiating hard; rumors have it that they have a $128.2 million (£101.4 million/€120 million) release clause.
Guimaraes Bruno
Bruno Guimaraes’ name keeps coming up when discussing Liverpool, even if it may seem unlikely at this point. Although he may be more of a traditional midfielder, he could definitely play as the number six and do it effectively.
Furthermore, Newcastle might discover that it must sell in order to abide by the Profit and Sustainability Rules. Fabrizio Romano reports that Guimaraes’ $126 million (£100 million/€118 million) release clause has already expired and that his future will be decided upon upon receipt of proposals in the upcoming weeks. Liverpool may want to consider entering the race.
