Arne Slot will need to go back to the drawing board at Liverpool.placeholder image
Arne Slot will need to go back to the drawing board at Liverpool. | Getty Images
Liverpool are still on the market to replace a key figure who left the club two years ago
Liverpool are said to be planning a significant bid in attempt to sign a new midfielder in 2026, as frailties in Arne Slot’s squad continue to be exposed in this troublesome season.
The Reds are considering multiple new signings when the January transfer window opens to help ease some of the pressure that has built in the first half of the campaign.
Arne Slot is on the market for new midfield options, with a strong No.6 high up on the priority list. According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are once again linked with Real Madrid, as Eduardo Camavinga has become one of their ‘key targets’ ahead of the upcoming transfer windows.
Liverpool to submit offer for Real Madrid star
The Reds are reportedly ‘expected’ to submit an offer of €60 million (£53m) in attempt to sign the Real Madrid midfielder. The France international is currently one of the most sought-after players in Europe and Liverpool are among the club competing for his signature as they look to improve their options in the engine room.
Slot has ‘identified’ Camavinga as a priority transfer target to strengthen his midfield. E-Noticies has also reported that the Premier League champions are exploring the market for new midfielders, as Liverpool are ‘desperately’ searching for a ‘physical and dominant’ figure like Camavinga.
Of course, as is the case with any high profile player, Liverpool aren’t alone in their interest. Chelsea and Manchester United are also said to be monitoring the Real Madrid star, while Arsenal and Bayern Munich have ‘quietly entered the conversation’ as well.
The 23-year-old is under contract in the Spanish capital until 2029, so there is no huge pressure for Real Madrid to cash in if the price isn’t right. However, with just three La Liga starts under his belt so far this season, the club could be tempted to sell, especially if he decides he wants to explore a more regular playing role elsewhere.
Why Liverpool need a midfielder like Eduardo Camavinga
Camavinga’s versatility in the engine room has earned him top praise over the years. CaughtOffside lists him as a star who ‘represents the complete modern midfielder’, who is able to play as a defensive midfielder, box-to-box figure or at left-back when required.
During Carlo Ancelotti’s reign as Real Madrid manager, he praised Camavinga as a figure with ‘extraordinary qualities’ who ‘can play anywhere on the pitch’. This is certainly something Liverpool will benefit from if they were to pitch a successful bid for the Frenchman next year.
The Reds are still yet to sign a like-for-like replacement for Fabinho, who left the club in 2023. The Brazilian impressed fans with his no-nonsense approach to defending and his eye for long ball chance creation.
Liverpool have impressive options in their midfield rotation like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch but they have been missing a typical No.6 figure to anchor down their engine room and help support the defence.
The Reds’ defensive concerns this season have been laid bare for rivals to exploit. Along with their need to sign a new centre-back, they are now on the hunt for a perfect No.6 figure who can provide an extra layer of stability to the spine of the team.
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