Liverpool will reportedly look to target a new defensive midfield signing as a priority this summer.
The Reds have failed to properly replace Fabinho since his exit in 2023, instead relying on Ryan Gravenberch to play out of position in a deep-lying role.
Though Gravenberch excelled during last year’s Premier League-winning campaign, the Dutchman has struggled to replicate his form this time around. As a result, Liverpool supporters have been desperate to see an out-and-out number six signed.
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PSG players celebrate after scoring during the Ligue 1 match against Toulouse at the Parc des Princes (Credit: Getty Images/Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images
And according to journalist Romain Molina, they will finally get their wish in the coming months.
Liverpool prioritising new defensive midfielder
Gravenberch is a superb midfielder, but in deploying him as a number six, there is a feeling that Liverpool are not making the most out of his talents.
Having a dominant, world-class ball-winner who can protect the defence is something the Reds have been without since Fabinho started to struggle in 2022.
And while speaking on an in-depth behind the scenes look at Liverpool on his YouTube channel, Molina said that it is a profile the Reds are likely to target this summer.
Ryan Gravenberch passes the ball during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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“There’s the idea of strengthening the defence and certain key positions, defensive midfield and defence in particular, where they’ve already started targeting and working.
“Internally they feel they’ve relied too much on the same players in certain positions and need more variety. They also want to rethink the wings a little bit and add a bit more punch and depth. This has been discussed a bit in meetings, so you have scouts looking at that.”
Reds to target young players to grow into roles
Although fans will be encouraged by news that a defensive midfielder is on the shopping list this summer, Molina also suggested that the player who comes in may initially be expected to take a backseat. It may not be a straight starter.
“Liverpool’s idea was also to rebuild their youth system and bring in guys aged 16, 17, 18, 19, 20,” he said.
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Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes watching on during the Reds' Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones
“Except post-Brexit you can’t really bring in a minor [from abroad] anymore. But the idea is to bring in some guys aged 18 to 20 to provide cover.
“Players like Leoni, to mature in the new squad and gain more established roles.”
Exactly who Liverpool are targeting is not yet clear, but the Reds are clearly beginning their work ahead of what is expected to be another busy summer window.
Whether it’s a younger player or someone more established, fans will simply be pleased to see Gravenberch freed from his shackles and have a proper number six installed at last.
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