Daniel Sturridge has questioned Liverpool's transfer business after highlighting a midfield issue in the Reds' opening game against Newcastle United
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge speaking to Sky Sports
Daniel Sturridge has questioned why Liverpool didn't pursue midfielder Mamadou Sangare this summer(Image: Sky Sports)
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has questioned why the club didn't pursue midfielder Mamadou Sangare, who signed for Brentford for a relatively modest fee this summer.
The start of the 2026/27 Premier League season has raised some serious question marks over the makeup of the current Liverpool team. Despite a change in head coach, with Andoni Iraola replacing Arne Slot earlier in the summer, a lot of the same issues plagued the Reds in their opening fixture at Newcastle.
Within minutes of kickoff at St. James' Park on Sunday, Liverpool found itself a goal behind, and it came from none other than a counterattack. Ryan Gravenberch lost possession just outside the Newcastle box and, from back to front, the hosts cut the Reds in half before Anthony Elanga found the back of the net.
Liverpool did manage to score an equalizer early in the second half through Cody Gakpo, but it didn't take Newcastle long at all to restore its lead. Once again, Iraola's men were vulnerable in transition and substitute Joe Willock scored on this occasion.
Fortunately for Liverpool, the Reds were rescued from defeat deep in stoppage time by a favorable penalty call. Victor Munoz was fouled in the box by Newcastle left back Lewis Hall, and Dominik Szoboszlai dispatched from the spot with great composure.
The result, however, cannot paper over the cracks, according to Sturridge. The former Reds striker highlighted the lack of control in midfield as a serious cause for concern and questioned why the club has allowed suitable options to go elsewhere for reasonable fees.
"I think the team needs a defensive midfielder, personally," he said in the post-match coverage on Sky Sports. "We've been talking about a defensive midfielder at Liverpool for the last three years and I think Gravenberch coming in and winning the league changed that philosophy.
Brentford's Mamadou Sangare during the Premier League match against Tottenham
Brentford's Mamadou Sangare has made an instant impact in the Premier League(Image: Photo by Silvina Brodersohn - CameraSport via Getty Images)
"But, if you actually analyze the midfield, they're all naturally more attacking players. For instance, if you look at Brentford signing Mamadou Sangare.
"The stats jump out on the page. They are third in interceptions, third in tackles, third in possession recovered. For me, £39 million ($52 million), you think to yourself, that's not a load of money for someone like Liverpool.
"I'm not suggesting he was the man, but the stats jump out the page. Liverpool don't have that profile of player right now. Trey Nyoni, I really like him, but he's more of a ball playing eight.
"He's not a destroyer and won't strike fear in the opposition, like a Sangare can. Or an N'Golo Kante over the years. I also think, if I'm being honest, [Dominik] Szoboszlai is better as a no.10."
Despite Curtis Jones' recent departure to Inter Milan, it appears midfield is not the priority for Liverpool in the final week of the transfer window. Instead, the club appears determined to bolster its attack, with Bradley Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye and Yankuba Minteh among the wingers linked with a move to Anfield.