Liverpool have had problems in their midfield during the 2025/26 season.
Fans are unhappy with Curtis Jones amid his inconsistent performances in the last month or so.
Wataru Endo no longer starts Premier League matches under Arne Slot, at least in the centre of the park.
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Meanwhile, Wayne Rooney recently said that midfield is a ‘big problem’ for Liverpool.
The Reds certainly have some talented players in that area, including Ryan Gravenberch, but they do lack a proper defensive-minded midfielder.
You’ve got £80m to fix Liverpool’s midfield this summer, who are you buying?
Elliot Anderson applauds after Nottingham Forest's Premier League match against Manchester United at the City Ground (Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington).
Adam Wharton pictured playing for Crystal Palace in the UEFA Conference League match against Fredrikstad at Selhurst Park (Credit: Getty Images/Jacques Feeney/Offside).
Warren Zaire-Emery looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between PSG and VfB Stuttgart at Stuttgart Arena (Credit: Getty Images/Aurelien Meunier/PSG).
Sandro Tonali pictured in action during Newcastle United's Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg against Manchester City at St James' Park (Credit: Getty Images/Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington/Jacques Feeney/Offside/Aurelien Meunier/PSG/Scott Llewellyn/MI News/NurPhoto
Liverpool could rival Arsenal for Sandro Tonali
On that front, there could be a chance that the Merseyside outfit are already exploring their options for the summer.
Fabrizio Romano shared an update on Wednesday, reporting on Arsenal’s interest in Sandro Tonali.
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However, he added that there are other unnamed clubs in England looking at the Italian.
He said: “So I’m sure for Tonali in the summer is going to be busy very busy with Arsenal because Arsenal this is important. I told you also yesterday Arsenal are interested in the player.
“Arsenal are considering Sandro Tonali. But there are more clubs in England and in Italy with Juventus”
Tonali moved to Newcastle United in 2023 for a fee the BBC reported to be £55M.
He has since played a key role in the Magpies’ rise from a mid-table team to a side capable of competing in Europe.
Crucially, he is a natural defensive midfielder, which is what Liverpool are lacking right now.
He would be the perfect partner for one of Alexis Mac Allister or Gravenberch in the pivot, and his presence would hopefully allow Slot to start playing more expansive football again, as there would be less need to focus on tightening up in the middle of the pitch to stop so many goals being conceded.
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Liverpool signing Jeremy Jacquet
Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images
If Liverpool do prove to be one of the English clubs looking at Tonali, Newcastle probably won’t be happy.
The 2025 summer transfer window revolved around Alexander Isak trying to force a move to Anfield.
But speaking this week, as per ESPN, Eddie Howe suggested we will not see a similar situation play out with Tonali.
He said: “I don’t think so, but lots of things happen without my knowledge.
“As far as I’m aware, we’ve got a player that’s an outstanding footballer, an outstanding person. He’s very happy here, he’s got a great relationship with me, his team-mates, he seems really, really happy within himself, so that would surprise me.
“But our best players will always be attracting glances from other clubs, that’s just the reality of football. We want to keep the group together, we want to keep being progressive and of course Sandro plays a part in that, trying to hit his best levels and play as well as he can to help the team.”
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