While right-back has been the obvious problem area this season, Liverpool’s midfield ranks are lacking numbers and quality.
Firstly, looking at it purely from a numbers perspective, Arne Slot is worried about depth in the middle of the pitch after losing Wataru Endo to injury.
Endo wasn’t playing in his natural position in the Premier League anyway, and outside of the Japan international, Curtis Jones was the only backup.
Discuss: Jones’ Liverpool career is CLEARLY coming to an end if he doesn’t start vs Brighton
Curtis Jones in action during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
Credit: Gaspafotos/MB Media/ Getty Images
However, Jones’ future has been questioned, and Liverpool fans are unhappy with his performances.
Aside from the former Academy talent, there is essentially no first-team cover for Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, neither of whom have impressed on a consistent basis this season.
Wayne Rooney even described midfield as a ‘big problem’ for Liverpool, despite obvious gaps in defence as well.
Liverpool need to rival Arsenal for Leon Goretzka
In turn, it seems obvious that midfield reinforcement needs to be targeted in the summer.
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On that front, Leon Goretzka of Bayern Munich should be someone being looked at by Richard Hughes.
A report from CFBayernInsider has now emerged saying that the German wants to play in the Premier League, with both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur credited with an interest.
Goretzka is under contract until the end of June 2026, meaning he will become a free agent soon and can already agree pre-contracts with clubs outside of Germany (meaning Liverpool could do a deal now).
The Bayern man is a high-pressing workhorse who does much of the running in the engine room.
Defensive ability is something that Liverpool’s limited midfield options, barring Endo, who is injured and hardly ever starts, are lacking this season.
Gravenberch is an excellent ball carrier, and Mac Allister’s passing ability is superb.
But the Reds are lacking a high-pressing option who is also capable of sitting in front of the back four.
As well as his obvious work rate and defensive prowess, the fact that Goretzka is due to become a free agent makes a deal even more appealing.
Should Jones leave, which at present remains uncertain, the 31-year-old would be an excellent replacement.
But even if both he and Endo remain for 2026/27, which seems unlikely, we have already seen that Slot does not trust the duo to start regularly, making the need for fresh legs in the middle of the park a must.
The best-case scenario for Liverpool’s midfield next term would be as follows: Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Goretzka, Trey Nyoni.
All offer something a little different, and the promotion of Nyoni to a semi-regular feature in the first team is a must if he’s to develop properly.
However, there is one potential problem with a move for the Bayern man, especially when it comes to beating Arsenal to his signature.
Debate: Wataru Endo will leave a bigger legacy at Liverpool than Javier Mascherano
The Japanese may have played his last game for the Reds 😥
Liverpool's Wataru Endo pictured during the Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Credit: Getty Images/Crystal Pix/MB Media).
Javier Mascherano sits on the pitch during Liverpool's Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Credit: GLYN KIRK/AFP
Credit: Photo Credit: Getty Images/Crystal Pix/MB Media/Glyn Kirk/AFP
Arne Slot’s worry about Liverpool summer signings
Slot has recently expressed concern about Liverpool not qualifying for the Champions League and the impact it could have on transfers.
While FSG can still spend in the summer regardless of a top-four/five finish, the Dutchman’s concerns may be valid when it comes to it hampering Liverpool’s ability to attract players.
Goretzka wants the Premier League, which is a big plus in the Reds’ favour.
However, if he has to choose between Liverpool and Arsenal, he may well select the Gunners simply because they will be in the Champions League next term.
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