Liverpool have been consistently linked with a midfield signing this summer but have not moved for anyone, despite their injury crisis.
Jurgen Klopp has had to contend with up to four central midfielders out of action, including Thiago, which has resulted in fan unrest all over social media.
Coupled with a poor start in the Premier League and tensions are un-naturally high for a club that has been so used to success in recent years.
Now the latest reports from the higher-ups at the club claim that a ‘limited talent pool’ is the reason for no signings.
This comes from Paul Gorst, the Liverpool ECHO correspondent for Liverpool FC.
The claim is that a midfield signing is unlikely at this stage due to the limited talent pool.
We may be able to disprove that theory…
🥇| Liverpool signing a midfielder before the deadline is “unlikely” at this stage, with it felt there is a limited talent pool available to improve Klopp's squad.” [@ptgorst]
— Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) August 26, 2022
Options on the market:
Youri Tielemans
According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs (speaking on the Football Terrace), Tielemans is open to a move to Liverpool.
Tielemans’ agent has pushed Liverpool links in previous transfer windows, but, according to the Daily Express, he could be available for a cut price of £16M, with the player in the last year of his deal.
He would add versatility and experience; with over 50 caps for Belgium and experience playing in a two or three-man midfield across back three/back four and back fives demonstrate experience and his football IQ.
Klopp could use him as he pleases, but he would want to get the most of out his attacking qualities.
Adding Tielemans to their midfield would be almost an upgraded version of Gini Wijnaldum.
He can score from distance (scored the FA Cup final winner from 30 yards) and his best stats on FbRef are: xG assisted, progressive passes, shot-creating actions and shots total.
He would add a goal threat and help maintain creativity from midfield in Thiago’s absence.
Another top option.
"He made no mistake" ✅
It's a brilliant pass from Tielemans and it's expertly finished off by Iheanacho 🇳🇬
It's goals in back-to-back games for Iheanacho ⚽⚽ pic.twitter.com/bfetgfXrae
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 6, 2021
Moises Caicedo
A South American outlet, Studio Football, (via The Mirror) claims that Liverpool are “looking to sign” Caicedo this summer, and are “preparing a bid” in the region of €50M (£42M).
Caicedo’s Premier League experience is crucial and the Reds could benefit from buying their stocks early in Caicedo – because next season he’s likely to cost around £15-20m more if he continues performing at club level.
Plus, a great World Cup with Ecuador could also raise the price too. He looks the real deal.
Statistically, he looks great too; in the win against Manchester United on the opening day, he had the most tackles (4) interceptions (3) and key passes (3) out of anyone on the pitch.
He can do a bit of everything but his stats show once he wins the ball, he rarely wastes it and often is the one progressing it. He’s in the 82nd percentile for dribbles completed, the 80th for tackles, 83rd for clearances and 66th for aerials won; he will only get better and signing him now, rather than in a year, will save the club millions.
"THROUGH THE LEGS OF VICTOR LINDELOF" 😬
Moisés Caicedo gets his first Brighton goal to put them 1-0 up against Manchester United! pic.twitter.com/aYgok6kF8y
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 7, 2022
Konrad Laimer
Kicker reported early in May that Liverpool and Tottenham are both in the race to sign Laimer. He also revealed that Steven Gerrard was a player he grew up idolizing.
When speaking to Sky Sports Austria, he claimed: “It is quite possible that I will no longer play in Leipzig next season,” which opens the door to a potential move.
He’s also in the final year of his deal and is valued at £25.2m, and is also only 25 years old – he completely fits the bill.
Statistically, he fits Liverpool like a glove. He ranks the highest on FbRef for pressures per 90 – he is a pressing machine in midfield with 33.80 pressures per 90.
He also registers between the 84th-86th percentiles for progressive carries, dribbles completed, touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received.
In terms of fitting into the side, he can play as a marauding central midfielder or a more conservative defensive-minded midfielder – he played 17 times as a DM last season which fulfils Klopp’s wishes for a player who can do both roles. He’s an excellent pick.
🐂 Two goals, an assist and now a place in @EASPORTSFIFA's #TOTW for @RBLeipzig_EN man Konrad Laimer! 💪#FUT #FIFA22 #Bundesliga pic.twitter.com/PgOLguOdSA
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) April 7, 2022
