Liverpool’s search for a new midfielder in the transfer window continues after missing out on Moises Caicedo and seemingly Romeo.
After years of success with Michael Edwards heading up recruitment, Liverpool have hit a difficult spell in the transfer market.
No longer the team one step ahead of the game, the Reds currently find themselves scrambling for signings in a bid to ensure their season does not unravel for the second year in succession.
Midfield remains the problem position for Jurgen Klopp, as was made even clearer during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, though finding the players to address this issue is proving to be a tall order at present. Liverpool now look set to miss out on Romeo Lavia as well as Moises Caicedo, having already watched Jude Bellingham sign for Real Madrid earlier this summer. In addition, the Times yesterday claimed Klopp’s side were offered the chance to sign Enzo Fernandez for £15m in the summer of 2022 – only to then see the Argentine join Chelsea for a British-record £106.8m fee in January from Benfica.
Being unable to land big-name stars like Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni when Madrid come calling is one thing. But what about claims that up-and-coming talents have slid by?
An unfortunate habit of missing out on players with great potential may have continued – with evidence during Manchester United’s 1-0 victory over Wolves yesterday evening. João Gomes put in a hugely impressive performance at Old Trafford, completing more tackles (four) than any other player, winning 10 of his 16 duels while winning three fouls for Gary O’Neil’s side.
The 22-year-old is set to play a huge role for Wolves this season, if last night’s display is anything to go by, and offered another reminder of the profile of player Liverpool are lacking. The Reds were mentioned as a possible destination for Gomes last year while still at Flamengo in Brazil – and he made little secret of his admiration of the club when quizzed on such links in his homeland.
“Liverpool is a team I would play for,” he told ESPN. “I have the greatest desire to play. Playing for the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football.” In a separate interview with AS, he then described Thiago Alcantara as a player he looks to for inspirations.
Wolves ended up paying a fee of £15m to secure his services during the January transfer window, fending off competition from Lyon to win this race. That the Ligue 1 club were interested will have come as no surprise as they have developed quick the knack for talent-spotting in Brazil.
Bruno Guimarães left Athletico Paranaense to join Lyon in 2020, and it didn’t take long for Premier League clubs to come calling after that. Newcastle United stumped up £40m in January of last year to recruit the 25-year-old, who was a key figure in helping the Toon Army qualify for the Champions League. Liverpool are big admirers of Guimarães, as reported by the ECHO earlier this year, though recognise a deal to prise him away from St James’ Park is almost a non-starter.
This trend continues with West Ham United’s Lucas Paquetá, who is currently the subject of transfer interest from Manchester City. The reigning Premier League champions have seen an initial £60m bid rejected, but are soon expected to return to the negotiating table.
Reported interest from Liverpool in Paquetá goes all the way back to 2018 and there were even suggestions the Reds made a late attempt to hijack the Hammers’ deal for the Brazil international last summer. Like Gomes, Paqueta began his career at Flamengo before ending up at Lyon ahead of sealing a Premier League switch.
After initiating contact with Andre Trindade of Fluminense earlier this month, it remains to be seen whether or not Liverpool take a chance on the 22-year-old and if his current employers are willing to offload a key player without being able to source a direct replacement until January. If a deal is there to be done, history would suggest they would be foolish to pass up on this opportunity.