placeholder image
Wolves via Getty Images
Liverpool have lacked control in midfield at times this season, could a proven international for a budget fee be a smart move to make?
After a busy summer, Liverpool were never realistically going to go out and break the bank again, even if missing out on Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi might prove to be costly.
Both would immediately strengthen the starting XI and fill holes where Richard Hughes will need to address at some point in the very near future with Ibrahima Konate unlikely to sign a new contract and Mohamed Salah being tipped to leave in the summer too. This will free up a lot of money on the wage bill, which will make a difference in terms of the quality that can be targeted. It is a similar position in the other area where the Reds might look to add one more body.
Liverpool should swerve Andre signing
The midfield is well catered for although in terms of profile, there isn't a natural defensive midfielder in the squad. Ryan Gravenberch has looked good in the role, but there is a feeling that being deployed in a deeper position is stunting his ability to get forward and play a more creative part in Liverpool's attacks. Wolves midfielder Andre is reported to be a £26m target, however, for less money Hughes could land a proven Premier League operator and replace the experience that could be leaving Anfield in the summer.
Linked to Liverpool before, Ruben Neves is said to be on the radar of several clubs in England as his contract with Saudi Pro League outfit Al Hilal comes to an end. Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, former Sky Sports reporter Pete O'Rourke explained what the future holds for the 28-year old Portugal international: “Yeah, obviously Ruben Neves is a top midfielder. He’s done well out in the Saudi Pro League with Al Hilal.
“They don’t really want to lose him, but he is coming to the end of his contract in June and nothing has been agreed as yet, so that has opened to door for a return to Europe. I’m sure if the opportunity did come along, Ruben Neves would be interested in a move to Man United. He would be a good fit for United, he can play in that defensive midfield role, but I don’t think the Saudi Pro League club are that open to letting him leave.
“It’s a difficult deal to do, Al Hilal want a decent fee of around £20million for him, and then obviously you’ve got his wages as well.“
Neves might have his name linked more with a move to Man United, but he would be the perfect fit for Liverpool and for the money involved, it makes a lot of sense to hijack any potential transfer to Old Trafford.
Why Neves would be perfect for Liverpool
Liverpool's summer recruitment saw some of Europe's finest youngsters arrive at Anfield. Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Alexander Isak could all be playing in red for most of the next decade.
What they need for the next four to five years though, is more players like Virgil van Dijk through the spine. Even just one or two, with Neves providing the sort of leadership and guidance in the middle of the park that has been missing this season.
What Neves would also do is free up the likes of Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai from their defensive duties. As with Van Dijk in defence, it isn't possible for one player to plug the gaps on their own, but what they can do is put out fires before the cause problems and communicate with their teammates.
There isn't anything wrong with the individual quality of Liverpool's midfielder, but an operator like Neves could be the missing piece of the jigsaw.
Continue Reading