Liverpool’s summer business might not be finished just yet.
According to Matt Thielen, the Reds are still very much in the market for a midfielder as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.
And, after what we saw against Newcastle, that could be one of the most important developments of the entire summer.
Liverpool need another midfielder
There has been plenty of discussion about Liverpool’s need for another winger.
Bradley Barcola now appears to be on his way to Anfield, while the club continue to consider options for another wide player.
But the Newcastle game highlighted another problem.
Liverpool’s midfield doesn’t look balanced enough.
The Reds dominated possession for long periods at St James’ Park, yet Newcastle repeatedly caused problems when they won the ball and attacked quickly.
Liverpool need somebody capable of giving the defence greater protection.
Curtis Jones has left a hole
The departure of Curtis Jones to Inter Milan has also changed the situation.
Whatever you thought about Jones’ long-term future at Liverpool, he provided something the squad now needs: experience and versatility.
Liverpool can’t afford to go into a season competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups with too few midfield options.
There are talented youngsters coming through, particularly Trey Nyoni.
But relying entirely on young players is a huge gamble.
The missing No.6
For me, the biggest question is whether Liverpool will finally address the defensive midfield position.
They don’t necessarily need a traditional destroyer.
But they need someone who can:
● Protect the back four
● Win possession
● Break up counter-attacks
● Cover attacking full-backs
● Keep the ball moving
● Allow Wirtz and the other attacking players to play higher up the pitch
That could completely change the balance of Iraola’s team.
Liverpool have already spent big
There is another reason this is interesting.
Liverpool have spent enormous amounts on Isak and Wirtz, while Barcola is also set to arrive for a huge fee.
But this isn’t about signing another superstar simply for the sake of it.
It’s about finishing the squad properly.
The club spent heavily last summer too, but there are still areas that need strengthening this summer.
A midfielder could be the signing that makes all the other expensive additions work better.
👀 Who could Liverpool target?
There have already been plenty of names linked with Liverpool.
Lamine Camara is one player who has previously been mentioned as an option, while Angelo Stiller and Tyler Adams have also been reported as midfield possibilities.
There has also been long-standing interest in players such as Adam Wharton.
The important thing is that Liverpool now appear to be actively looking again.
And that is exactly what supporters wanted to hear.
The Newcastle warning
Liverpool were fortunate to leave Newcastle with a point.
The dramatic late penalty rescued the Reds, but it shouldn’t hide the weaknesses that were exposed.
Newcastle were able to attack Liverpool’s midfield and defence far too easily on the counter.
If that happens against the very best teams in Europe, Liverpool could be punished much more severely.
Iraola needs more defensive security.
My verdict
This could be the most important piece of transfer news Liverpool fans hear before deadline day.
Barcola would add incredible pace and quality.
Isak gives Liverpool an elite striker.
Wirtz gives them creativity.
But the midfielder could be the player who makes everything else click.
Liverpool don’t necessarily need another £100m signing.
They need the right midfielder.
Someone who gives Iraola balance.
Someone who protects the defence.
Someone who allows Liverpool’s attacking stars to concentrate on hurting opponents rather than constantly worrying about what happens when possession is lost.
We’ve been talking about Liverpool’s need for a midfielder all summer.
Now, finally, it appears the club may be listening.
Liverpool are still in the market.
And after Newcastle, I don’t think they could have picked a better time to be there.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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