**Liverpool added £450m worth of new players during the summer transfer window.**
In came performers like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz for British record fees while Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni and Giorgi Mamardashvili were also acquired.
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But sporting director Richard Hughes declined to add any midfielders - meaning head coach Arne Slot was restricted to the same options he had for the 2024/25 Premier League title win.
The load was heavy on Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo at times last season and this campaign has been a challenge too.
All but Szoboszlai have been injured at one stage or another - while the Hungarian has been asked to fill in many different positions. Gravenberch and Mac Allister were two mainstays of the title win but have been a long way off their best this term.
Liverpool and Real Madrid want Vitinha
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Accordingly it’s been suggested that the Anfield club may move for a new midfielder in 2026 with Vitinha emerging as an option.
That’s according to a new report in [Fichajes](https://www.fichajes.net/noticias/2-gigantes-pelean-fichaje-vitinha-20251125.html) - which claims the Reds are one of two European “giants” aiming to sign the Paris Saint-Germain star.
The other - predictably - is Real Madrid. Vitinha was named on the Ballon d’Or podium in 2025 and is well established as one of the best midfielders around.
Under contract until 2029 - it would take around €150m to convince PSG to sell the former Wolves man - [**who ticks several boxes for Liverpool’s midfield requirements**](https://www.anfieldwatch.co.uk/liverpool-fc/news/liverpool-transfer-news-vitinha-psg-ballon-dor/).
Liverpool big admirers of Vitinha
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“Liverpool also see Vitinha as a strategic addition to a midfield that needs modernization and energy, especially after the ups and downs of recent seasons,” the report reads.
“The Anfield club values the Portuguese player's competitive maturity, his reading of the game, and his ability to dictate the tempo in high-pressure situations.
“Liverpool is prepared to escalate its offer to figures similar to Real Madrid's in order to compete on equal footing and get ahead in the European race.
“PSG insists the player is not for sale, although in England it's believed that an exorbitant sum could at least open the door to negotiations.
“The Premier League appeals to Vitinha because of its pace, demands, and global exposure, but leaving Paris would mean giving up a secure role in a squad brimming with stars.”