With Liverpool reportedly in the market for a “multi-purpose midfielder” rather than a number 6, which players could be considered between now and the end of the period?
Athletic’s James Pearce has reported that the Reds are now out of the market for a defensive midfielder following the arrival of Wataru Endo.
Pearce added that the club were instead focusing their efforts on bringing in “another multi-purpose midfielder” in order to add more versatility within options.
Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have already strengthened in their more advanced positions, but there is still room for further improvement following the departure of five senior midfielders this summer.
We look at some of the players Liverpool could add as the summer transfer deadline approaches. Matthew Nunes
Liverpool looked set to switch to Matheus Nunes at the start of the summer, but despite continued interest, no formal move ever materialised.
Reports linking the Reds to the midfielder date back to last summer, but the arrivals of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai have debunked those stories significantly.
He has held various roles in Wolves’ midfield and his flexibility could be an asset if Liverpool want to add one before the window closes.
Luca Sucic
Luka Sucic isn’t a name being hyped in many circles when it comes to interest from Liverpool, but the 20-year-old was said to be “one of many options” being considered earlier this year.
He is a player who would likely act as a replacement for Szoboszlai in the number 8 right-hand slot, but Klopp would no doubt be looking to see if he can provide support elsewhere
. Like Lindstrom, Sucic is an attacking player and is unlikely to ask for an inflated transfer fee, so it’s somewhat surprising he hasn’t received more attention this summer.
Ryan Gravenberch
Ryan Gravenberch was the name Pearce chose as a genuine option Liverpool are eyeing as their fourth midfielder of the summer.
The Dutchman joined Bayern Munich from Ajax Amsterdam 12 months ago but has yet to manage to qualify for the Bundesliga as he has made just 24 appearances, most of them sitting on the bench.
Gravenberch could be just the positional ticket as he is far from being considered a No.6 specialist and Jurgen Klopp has demonstrated countless times his ability to mold players to his system.
Jesper Lindstrom
It was reported in April that Liverpool were “very interested” in Jesper Lindstrom, but since then there has been little enthusiasm for a potential transfer. The Dane made 38 appearances in all competitions for Frankfurt last season and could be made available for between £30m and £35m if these reports are to be believed.
The lack of noise suggests Lindstrom isn’t currently a name on the Reds’ radar and his relative inexperience in the deep role is likely to dissuade them from making a concrete offer.
Khafre Thuram
A name that has somewhat disappeared with the arrival of Szoboszlai, Khephren Thuram could very well fit the profile of the player Liverpool are looking for.
French typically operates in the #1 positions. 8 but he has all the attributes to be inserted as an anchor point if necessary.
The Reds were said to have ended their interest in the 22-year-old early last month, but if the club are looking for a versatile option, he would certainly fit those criteria. Andre
One player who still appears to be on Liverpool’s radar is Andre, who was still “monitored” by the club earlier this month.
The Brazilian is more likely to become available in January as Fluminense’s Copa Libertadores quarter-final second leg is less than 24 hours away from England’s summer transfer deadline.
He comes across as a defensive midfielder, but his passing nose and ability to carry the ball can easily be put to use further down the pitch.
Ibrahim Sangare
Ibrahim Sanage could be perfect for what he needs given the flexibility he showed in the Netherlands.
The 25-year-old is capable of playing in sixth place but has also demonstrated his attacking prowess, scoring eight goals and three assists for PSV in 2022/23.
He’s a signing that probably wouldn’t break the bank and he’s a player who could certainly fill various roles in a Klopp scheme.
Cheick Doucour
One Premier League name that has been on everyone’s lips in recent weeks is Cheick Doucour, who was named Crystal Palace’s Player of the Season for 2022/23.
Failed attempts to sign Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo have prompted the Reds to step up their pursuit of the Mali international, who normally acts as a defensive midfielder for the Eagles.
Doucoure has also demonstrated his ability to fulfill role #8, which is a key point compared to the “multifunctional” element.
Manu Kone
There was concrete interest in Manu Kone at the start of the transfer window but that faded when the Frenchman picked up an injury during the European Under-21 Championship. The 22-year-old recently returned to first-team training at Borussia Mönchengladbach and this may have caught the attention of the recruiting staff.
Liverpool are undoubtedly fans of Kone and will already have all the information they need, but a formal approach seems unlikely given the lack of recent developments.
