It's going to be an interesting week!
Now that Jurgen Klopp has stated that Liverpool need a midfielder before the transfer window closes, his scouting department will have provided a list of targets who fit the profile of age, suitability to the playing style, and potential availability.
GOAL have cast our eye across some midfielders, and their numbers, who Liverpool could sign before next Thursday.
Getty ImagesFrenkie de Jong – Barcelona
Now that Manchester United have bought Casemiro and continue to pursue Antony, and Chelsea seem set to go deep for Anthony Gordon, a move for de Jong suddenly doesn't as far fetched as it did last week. An expert passer, who is brilliant at driving the ball forward and excellent at winning it back – Xavi has even deployed him as a centre-back in recent weeks because of this ability.
It is believed a fee of around £72 million could secure a player Barcelona are happy to let go to find their curious rebuild. Liverpool have a good relationship with the club and can offer the Champions League football he craves.
League appearances 2021/22: 32
Pass accuracy: 91%
Dribble success rate: 85%
Total duels won: 63%
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
AdvertisementGetty ImagesJude Bellingham – Borussia Dortmund
Now this is probably a transfer saga for next summer, but there is always a chance that Liverpool could pull the trigger this season. He was recently named in 10-man shortlist for the 2022 Kopa Trophy, the best player under the age of 21 and in March was named NXGN's player of the year.
Bellingham has regularly performed in the big games. When Manchester City visited the Signal Indua Park in 2021, he showed what he was made of with a wonderfully taken goal to put Dortmund in the lead, and he showed his ability to be a leader during his post-match interview after Dortmund lost 4-2 to Rangers. He spoke like a player far beyond his years, and showed he is not scared of letting people know how he feels.
League appearances 2021/22: 32
Pass accuracy: 84%
Dribble success rate: 57%
Total duels won: 51%
Goals: 3
Assists: 8
Getty ImagesMarcelo Brozovic – Inter Milan
The Croatian international is the type of midfielder that would fit the profile on Merseyside, known for his passing, tackling, intelligent running and stamina. He can play at the base of midfield as well as box-to-box and his versatility could be key.
Last term he was named as Serie A midfielder of the season. Brozovic was close to leaving Inter in 2018 before manager at the time Luciano Spalletti chose to play him deeper in a match vs Napoli, a role in which he excelled. Since then he has been a mainstay in the Inter squad, and has performed consistently at an extremely high level.
League appearances 2021/22: 35
Pass accuracy: 93%
Dribble success rate: 76%
Total duels won: 54%
Goals: 2
Assists: 1
GettyLuka Sucic – Red Bull Salzburg
A relative unknown in terms of name in world football, but a player who no doubt fits the mould of a Liverpool signing. The Croatian international likes to play further forward in the midfield, scoring eight goals in the Austrian Bundesliga last season.
He also impressed in a pre-season friendly between the two sides, testing Adrian with a strike from 20-yards out and showcasing his attacking threat.
League appearances 2021/22: 28
Pass accuracy: 79%
Dribble success rate: 61%
Total duels won: 47%
Goals: 8
Assists: 3
