Liverpool’s pursuit of a defensive midfielder continues into this summer, as fans hope for a new signing to fill that role. The club turned down an offer for Wataru Endo from Marseille, believing that there is a lack of suitable options in the market. However, if Liverpool were to venture into the transfer market, there are several potential options for them to consider.
Ederson from Atalanta is one such option. Despite his poor performances against Liverpool in the Europa League, the club would base their decision on a larger sample of his performances. Ederson has shown promise in his forward passing, with stats indicating that he has managed more progressive passes per 90 minutes than 81 percent of comparable players in Europe’s top five leagues.
Joao Gomes from Wolves is another potential target. At just 23 years old, he is already considered one of Brazil’s key midfielders. Gomes excels at breaking down attacks, averaging 4.35 tackles per 90 minutes and ranking in the top one percent among similar players in Europe’s top five leagues. However, his limitations in the attacking aspect of the game may push him down Liverpool’s list of options.
Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad showcased his skills during the Euro 2024 final when he replaced Rodri and put in an excellent display. While Zubimendi is assured on the ball and fearless when facing his own goal, his basic stats don’t compare favorably with other players. Liverpool’s scouts, however, have access to more detailed insights that may provide a different perspective.
Alan Varela from Porto has caught the attention of Liverpool with his performances last season. He played 44 times across all competitions and impressed in Porto’s win over Arsenal in the Champions League. While a transfer for Varela seems unlikely at the moment, he fits the profile of a player Liverpool would be interested in.
Joshua Kimmich from Bayern Munich is a wildcard option due to his age and experience. Having won numerous trophies with Bayern, Kimmich would provide the squad with a wealth of experience. His technical ability and passing skills would excite fans. However, it is highly unlikely that Liverpool will pursue this transfer, as it goes against their transfer strategy. Nonetheless, Kimmich is open to a summer move, and Liverpool is one of the clubs under consideration.
Overall, Liverpool faces the challenge of finding a suitable and affordable defensive midfielder in the market. While these options provide potential solutions, the club’s decision will ultimately depend on various factors such as performance, playing style, and transfer strategy.