**According to a recent report, it's all over for a key Liverpool player who could leave the club in weeks.**
Julian Ward has a massive job on his hands as Liverpool's sporting director, and his first priority should be pretty obvious. The Reds need to finally address the defensive midfield problem that has been hanging over Anfield for the best part of three years.
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Ever since Fabinho left the club in 2023, Liverpool have been searching for someone who can fill that void. And honestly, it's been a pretty painful process.
The Reds have had plenty of opportunities to get it right, but things just haven't worked out. It started with Aurélien Tchouaméni, who ultimately chose Real Madrid instead of moving to Anfield.
Then came the whole Romeo Lavia and Moisés Caicedo saga. Liverpool were prepared to spend big on both players, only for them to end up at Chelsea. The Reds eventually settled for Wataru Endo, who brought experience and commitment but was never really a long-term solution to the problem.
Martin Zubimendi was another target who looked capable of transforming Liverpool's midfield. Unfortunately, he decided to remain in San Sebastián before eventually joining Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
In the meantime, Liverpool have had to find ways to cope with the situation. Ryan Gravenberch has done an admirable job filling the No.6 role, while [Alexis Mac Allister](https://www.anfieldwatch.co.uk/liverpool-fc/players/alexis-mac-allister/) has also been deployed there when needed.
Both players bring plenty of quality, but neither quite offers the defensive security Liverpool have been missing. The Reds need someone who can protect the back four, win duels, read danger and allow the more attack-minded midfielders to play with greater freedom.
There is, however, an encouraging development in Trey Nyoni. The youngster's ability to read the game and operate as a deep-lying playmaker gives Liverpool another intriguing option from within their own academy.
But potential alone won't solve everything. Ward needs to find the right balance between developing young talent and bringing in proven quality.
Liverpool have waited long enough for a proper Fabinho replacement. It's time to get it right.
Alexis Mac Allister to be sacrificed by Liverpool
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But it appears that Liverpool are currently operating under the guise of one in, one out in the midfield department. This means that Mac Allister, who has been imperative to the club's success this season could leave the Reds in order to pave the way for a more defensive minded midfielder to come in.
That is according to [Sky Sports in Switzerland](https://www.sky-sport.ch/fr/articles/liverpool-alexis-mac-allister-vers-un-depart-en-2027/), who are reporting that Mac Allister now looks set to leave the club in the summer of 2027, which just just a few months away.
The report claims the Argentine sees his future 'unfolding away from Liverpool' even though he wants to stay at the club.
The Reds are planning a midfield overhaul and this will likely see Mac Allister being moved on.
It would be a sad turn of events but perhaps not so surprising given he is yet to receive a long-term contract at Anfield and his current terms expire in 2028.