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Liverpool has much to do in the summer transfer window, with Jürgen Klopp’s side having left it late to get things solved in midfield ahead of several players departing at the end of their contracts.
Rather than spreading the midfield additions out, Liverpool has opted to wait, and that means that a revamp will have to take place all in one go, with plenty of options having been suggested as transfer arrivals.
At least two, but arguably more, will be required to turn things around in the center of the pitch for Liverpool, with Klopp needing to replace — at least in terms of their place in the squad —Naby Keïta, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo.
Of course, with each of those players, there were limitations, and none have played that frequently this season, but that has been a big issue for Liverpool. Next year, it needs to find reliable and consistent midfielders.
There are so many names that have been linked with a transfer to Anfield that it is hard to pick out what the dream scenario would be for Liverpool.
There is no doubt that Nicolò Barella at Inter Milan would be a big improvement for one of the number eight roles, and La Gazzetta dello Sport has already claimed that should the Serie A side miss out on Champions League football next season, it would be under pressure to sell.
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Klopp and Liverpool are big fans of Barella and the 26-year-old would fit nicely into the system that the Reds have used in recent matches, with his physical attributes appearing to be perfectly suited for the English game.
Mason Mount is another that could fit the bill and while Chelsea would rather keep him, the Stamford Bridge side might not have a choice, ultimately. With a year left on his contract come the summer and a pressing need to trim down its squad, Todd Boehly’s scramble for new signings over the past couple of transfer windows has left him with little bargaining power.
Ryan Gravenberch is another target, while links with Manuel Ugarte, particularly via Record in Portugal (translated by Sport Witness), have strengthened this week. Alexis Mac Allister, though, is another where the interest is genuine.
In terms of dream options, the Argentine would be high up the list in terms of his ability to slot straight into the starting XI at Liverpool, even if he might end up being costly