Liverpool could sign a midfielder that is a mix of Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne and has a very high ceiling on his potential.
The Reds are in a bit of a stick position right now as injuries could force their hand in the transfer market.
Thiago suffered a hamstring injury on Saturday during the Reds’ 2-2 draw with Fulham.
He joins Curtis Jones (4-8 weeks) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (2-3 months) on the sidelines as Jurgen Klopp’s midfield depth is severely tested early in the Premier League season.
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Thiago underwent a scan on Sunday, and Liverpool will hope to have caught the injury early, meaning a couple of weeks out, as opposed to four or more.
Naby Keita is expected back this week. [Neil Jones] pic.twitter.com/4wHDuddxYz
— The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) August 8, 2022
While Jurgen Klopp has regularly said this summer that he believes his squad is strong enough in the middle of the park, that stance is being severely undermined at the moment.
Naby Keita also missed the stalemate at Craven Cottage at the weekend but it was due to illness and not injury.
The Guinean is expected to be back in time for the Monday night clash with Crystal Palace next week.
I expect this week will be decisive in any plans that Liverpool may want to put into place to sign a new midfielder.
The summer transfer window closes in 23 days at the time of writing with Liverpool unlikely to sign Jude Bellingham.
We asked you who Liverpool should sign in midfielder if not Jude Bellingham and the two resoundingly popular answers were Nicolo Barella and Matheus Nunes. pic.twitter.com/C5549xR4ro
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) August 8, 2022
There has, however, been significant talk from Portugal that a deal could be agreed to sign Matheus Nunes.
The Portuguese outfit has a replacement for Nunes lined up already, with Estoril’s Andre Franco arriving as a potential alternative for €4M.
It’s reported that if Matheus Nunes is sold, Sporting have Franco as a replacement – according to O Jogo.
Nunes has a very unique profile and has similar ball-winning ability to Rodri but also has the creative capacity of someone like Kevin De Bruyne, presenting a very attractive option for Klopp and Julian Ward to consider.
Liverpool need a RCM that can match what Thiago offers on the left side of the midfield and Nunes fits the profile.
Matheus Nunes is playing out of his mind today. One of the best performances I’ve seen from him and doing it against Al Musrati and André Horta which is no small feat.
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) August 7, 2022
The only issue I can foresee with this signing is that it would step on the toes of a move for Jude Bellingham as they would play the same role at Anfield.
However, with Thiago and Jordan Henderson not getting any younger, Liverpool will need two midfielders and I personally think Bellingham is better on the left so signing Nunes for the right side would make sense.
Re: Matheus Nunes’ price tag.
He has a release clause of €60 million and a contract until 2026. Personally don’t think Sporting would pick up the phone for an offer less than €50 million.
— Zach Lowy (@ZachLowy) August 7, 2022
