How many midfielders do Liverpool need to sign this summer?

Liverpool are playing a dangerous game this summer and are putting their midfield rebuild at risk by allowing Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to leave for Saudi Arabia.

The Reds are in talks with Steven Gerrard's new team, Al-Ettifaq, over a deal to sell Jordan Henderson while a £40M bid has been received for Fabinho from Al-Ittihad.

If both midfielders leave, there is a distinct possibility that Liverpool fail to complete the midfield revamp required to rebound from their fifth-placed, trophyless 2022/23 season.

What is the current state of Liverpool's midfield?

It's best to start by listing the players that will not be a part of Jurgen Klopp's team next season.

We will assume that Thiago stays as there are currently only tentative links with a move back to Barcelona while it appears the Spaniard is not convinced by the financial allure of Saudi Arabia.

We'll also assume that Henderson and Fabinho complete their moves to the Middle East.

This means since the end of last season, Klopp will have lost:

1. James Milner (Contract expiry)
2. Jordan Henderson (Sold)
3. Fabinho (Sold)
4. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Contract expiry)
5. Naby Keita (Contract expiry)
6. Arthur Melo (End of loan deal - returned to Juventus)
7. Fabio Carvalho (On season-long loan at RB Leipzig)

As you can see, should Henderson and Fabinho leave, Klopp's already questionable midfield will have lost seven options.

With the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, quality has undoubtedly increased but given the intensity of Liverpool's high-pressing tactical system, the Reds need quantity in quality.

The remaining midfielders (and their ages) at Anfield are:

• Thiago Alcantara (32)
• Alexis Mac Allister (24)
• Dominik Szoboszlai (22)
• Curtis Jones (22)
  
• Harvey Elliott (20)
• Tyler Morton (20)
• Bobby Clark (18)

Liverpool have plenty of time to improve these midfield options but it's certainly a worrying situation with less than a month to go until the Premier League season begins.

How many midfielders do Liverpool need to sign this summer?

Before the start of the summer and before it became likely that Liverpool would sell Henderson and Fabinho, the Reds needed a minimum of three new midfielders to replace Keita, Milner and Ox after their contracts expired.

However, it now looks like the Reds will need another three in addition to their two signings so far. This doesn't include the need for another centre-back but that's a conversation for another time.

Liverpool have been linked with several midfielders including Romeo Lavia, Khephren Thuram, Ryan Gravenberch, Nicolo Barella and Manu Kone.

With the exception of Barella, none of these targets are hugely experienced despite their obvious talent.

While the transfer window doesn't shut until September 1st at 11pm, I'm beginning to feel uneasy with the direction this summer transfer window is heading in.