Liverpool are already laying the groundwork for January, with a new central midfielder moving towards the top of the agenda at Anfield.
Andoni Iraola’s squad was strengthened both in defence and attack over the summer, but the central options were left lighter after Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott moved on.
Harvey-Elliott
The Reds didn't recruit a direct replacement, and that decision has created room for another midfielder who can cover ground, carry the ball and cope with Iraola’s aggressive football.
Bournemouth sensation Alex Scott has quickly become the most eye-catching name in the media.
His history with Iraola makes the link easy to understand.
The Liverpool head coach knows his quality very well from their time working together on the south coast, while Scott already understands exactly what the Spaniard demands from his midfielders.
||
|Alex Scott's stats under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth|
|Season|Premier League apps|All competitions|Goals|Assists|Goal contributions|
|---|
|2023/24|23|27|2|4|6|
|2024/25|20|23|0|0|0|
|2025/26|37|39|4|1|5|
|Total under Iraola|80|89|6|5|11|
Bournemouth’s position has also softened.
They rejected interest during the summer but are now thought to be prepared to consider a major offer in January (Fabrizio Romano).
Liverpool and Chelsea reportedly lead the pursuit, although the Cherries’ valuation could stop the race before it truly begins.
Liverpool eye £76m ‘underrated gem’ as Alex Scott alternative
Action Images via Reuters/John Sibley
According to Mark Brus in the Daily Briefing, Bournemouth could actually seek more than the highly reported £100 million valuation for Scott, namely between £110 million and £115 million.
That would place him in the same extraordinary price bracket as Elliot Anderson, whose £116m switch to Man City set a new benchmark for a young English midfielder.
Liverpool have shown that they will spend huge money on exceptional players, but paying £115m for Scott midway through the season would still be a massive call.
That's why the recruitment team are keeping alternatives alive, with Monaco’s Lamine Camara already mentioned and Felix Nmecha now emerging as another serious option.
REUTERS/Vincent Carchietta
Brus reports that Borussia Dortmund value Nmecha at around £76m, and Liverpool are said to regard the Germany international as an “underrated gem”, with a belief that his arrival could immediately improve Iraola’s side.
Nmecha is also believed to be open to returning to England.
Liverpool scouts were reportedly present when Nmecha came off the bench and scored twice in Dortmund’s 3-0 victory over Paderborn in September.
He has been used in several central roles, offering the sort of flexibility that would appeal to Iraola.
REUTERS/Phil Noble
The 26-year-old also spent part of his development at Man City before rebuilding his career with Wolfsburg and Dortmund.
He didn't establish himself in City’s first team, despite making a handful of senior appearances, but he knows English football and shouldn't take too much time to re-adapt.
Nmecha is not currently presented as Liverpool’s first choice, as Scott remains the more obvious target because of his Premier League experience and proven relationship with Iraola.
REUTERS/Lee Smith
Dortmund would also demand a major fee, so this would hardly be a bargain deal.
Even so, there is a sizeable difference between £76 million and £115 million, and if Bournemouth refuse to compromise, Liverpool may decide that the supposed diamond offers a more tempting deal.