The Top Contenders for Liverpool's Midfield Revamp

Liverpool's recent acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister signals their intention to pursue other midfield targets this summer. Jurgen Klopp is reportedly considering several options, but the question remains: which player is the best fit for the Reds' system? As usual, Liverpool wasted no time in securing the services of Mac Allister, 24, with the Argentine international joining the team for an initial fee of £35m.

The club's new sporting director, Jorg Schmadtke, is not stopping with Mac Allister's arrival as there is still more business to be conducted. Schmadtke only assumed his role in May and is expected to make additional moves. Unfortunately, the team will be losing Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner as their contracts expire at the end of June. Additionally, Arthur Melo will be returning to Juventus after his loan deal concludes.

Vinny O'Connor, Liverpool reporter for We News, suggests that adding more depth to the team would be a logical move, especially since Fabinho will be turning 30 in October. Additionally, both Jordan Henderson and Thiago are over 30 years old, with Henderson turning 33 this month and Thiago having struggled with injuries while having only one year left on his contract with the club.

Providing additional choices would not only benefit but also support the ongoing progress of Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Stefan Bajcetic, and Fabio Carvalho. These players, who have the potential for more consistent first-team football, could still be allowed to embark on a loan spell. Although the Mac Allister transfer was secured promptly, Liverpool remains aware of the challenge they encounter in acquiring other midfielders. Moreover, they recognize the magnitude of the renovation that still lies ahead, including the expected signing of at least one defender. As a result, Schmadtke will be focusing on exploring other potential signings.

But which of those reported targets should the Reds move for this summer and why?

Manu KoneAge: 22Club: Borussia MonchengladbachContract expires: 2025

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Liverpool have been keeping an eye on Manu Kone's development, among other players like Moises Caicedo and Konrad Laimer, as potential cheaper options to their primary targets of Jude Bellingham, Ryan Aurelien Tchouameni, and Nicolo Barella. Kone had an impressive performance for Moenchengladbach in their win against Bayern Munich in February.

The holding midfielder, who is said to be drawing interest from Manchester United, was previously under Schmadtke's purview during his time at Monchengladbach. Having made the move from Toulouse in January 2021, the young French international's exceptional off-the-ball skills, particularly his ability to regain possession, would have undoubtedly caught the attention of Liverpool's new sporting director.

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Kone's remarkable performance in the midfield helped Monchengladbach secure a 3-2 victory against the Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich at their home ground in February. This display was highly impressive and caught the attention of the scouts across Europe.

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Sky in Germany reports that despite Liverpool showing interest in Kone's profile, a summer move for the player is unlikely as Monchengladbach has not received any offers for him thus far.

Thuram, who happens to be the offspring of France's World Cup hero Lilian and the younger sibling of Marcus, a midfielder for Monchengladbach, is said to be another promising young player that Liverpool is keeping tabs on this transfer window.

In 138 Ligue 1 matches played over the course of four seasons in the South of France, the 22-year-old footballer has made impressive contributions of eight goals and 11 assists. His outstanding performance earned him a call-up to the French national squad, and he made his debut appearance in March.

Thuram's forte lies in possession, particularly in generating opportunities, unlike Kone. However, with the signing of the more aggressive Mac Allister, Klopp may now consider recruiting a defensive midfielder, such as Nicolo Barella, whose contract with Inter Milan expires in 2026.

Liverpool's scouting team had their sights set on Barella during the previous season, visiting San Siro numerous times to observe the midfielder. His pivotal role in Inter Milan's journey to the Champions League final, highlighted by crucial goals, including those in both legs of their quarter-final victory over Benfica, solidified his status as a top prospect for Liverpool.

The midfielders that Liverpool have been scouting lately differ in profile from 26-year-old Barella, who is older and has a contract with Milan until 2026, making it expensive to acquire him, as per Reddy. Yet, if the Reds were able to secure Barella's signature, they would be gaining a player with a proven ability to perform on the big stage, demonstrated by his impressive display for Italy against England in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.

Barella's exceptional performances on the right-hand side of Inter's midfield last season demonstrated his ability as a well-rounded midfielder with a keen eye for both scoring and assisting goals. He made a significant impact by contributing six goals and seven assists in 35 league games, which led to him being recognized as the best midfielder in Serie A for the second time in three years.

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As Liverpool's manager, Klopp will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the performance of the talented Italy midfielder during Saturday's Champions League final against Manchester City, as he considers the possibility of pursuing a transfer for the player. Additionally, Klopp may also be interested in 19-year-old Southampton player Romeo Lavia, who has a contract with the club until 2027.

Liverpool has a reputation for bringing in talented players from relegated clubs, as evidenced by their successful acquisitions of Georginio Wijnaldum from Newcastle United in 2016, Andy Robertson from Hull City in 2017, and Xherdan Shaqiri from Stoke City in 2018.

Amidst Southampton's relegation woes, Lavia shone as a bright spot with his impressive performance in the 3-3 draw against Arsenal in April. His all-action display caught the attention of Liverpool and Chelsea, both of whom reportedly expressed interest in signing the talented defensive midfielder.

The talented Belgian player joined St Mary's from Man City in July, and despite the champions having a buyback clause of £40m, it won't be applicable until next summer. This situation could potentially accelerate any potential transfer to the Reds. Ryan Gravenberch, at age 21, currently plays for Bayern Munich and has a contract that expires in 2027.

Last summer, We disclosed that the Netherlands midfielder was one of several options on a shortlist to bolster the Premier League club's midfield for the current season. Other candidates included Aurelien Tchouameni, Enzo Fernandez, Barella, and the then-unavailable Jude Bellingham.

After securing Gravenberch from Ajax, Bayern outmaneuvered Liverpool and other European competitors. However, since the transfer, the 21-year-old has only played a total of 711 minutes, with Kimmich and Goretzka taking priority. Gravenberch's representative, Rafaela Pimenta, looked into loan options during the January transfer window, but Bayern refused to allow his departure.

Bayern is willing to sell Gravenberch, and they have had meetings with Liverpool twice this year. However, they are looking to recoup the £20m fee they paid for him, including any add-ons, as well as make a small profit.

There are reports that Man City is also interested in the player, but Bayern has publicly stated that they will not entertain any offers. However, the club is unable to provide him with enough game time, which has led to his representatives searching for a solution. Gabri Veiga, who is only 21 years old, currently plays for Celta Vigo and his contract is set to expire in 2026.

Veiga has caught the attention of several top clubs this summer, including Liverpool, Barcelona, Newcastle United, and Chelsea. The Spain U21 international had an impressive season last year, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists in 36 LaLiga matches.

Clubs eyeing Veiga should take note of his current contract which runs until 2026, albeit with a £34.4m buyout clause. Liverpool, in particular, seem to have shifted their focus to the 21-year-old after wrapping up the deal for Mac Allister.

Franck KessieAge: 26Club: BarcelonaContract expires: 2026

Despite only joining Barcelona from AC Milan last summer, Kessie may be available for transfer as he was not a regular starter under manager Xavi Hernandez in his first season at the Nou Camp. With the LaLiga champions needing to sell players to make room for their preferred targets, the 26-year-old Ivory Coast midfielder could be on the market.

Kessie's goal-scoring record is truly remarkable, having scored 41 times in just 204 Serie A games for Atalanta and Milan. As a midfielder, his ability to find the back of the net makes him a valuable asset for any team. Liverpool, in particular, have been struggling to score goals from their midfield, which is why Klopp's interest in Kessie is not surprising.

Whether that interest materialises in a summer move, though, remains to be seen.