Ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has said that his former club will need to bring in a new midfielder if they want to finish top four following the Reds’ worrying 3-1 loss at Brentford last night.
Jurgen Klopp’s side looked outmatched physically throughout the game as Brentford raced into a 2-0 half-time lead. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – playing on the wing – scored to put Liverpool back in the game. However, Bryan Mbuemo’s late strike gave the Bees a memorable victory.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Jamie Carragher believed that the core of Liverpool’s problems was the midfield.
“I feel like we’re watching Jurgen Klopp when he first came to the club,” said the pundit. “That was always the problem. When they would have the ball, someone would sit deep and counterattack them.
“But I don’t know what’s happened to Liverpool in terms of midfield. Liverpool have not bought a proper midfielder – or one – in four and a half years, Thiago. So, it’s coming back to haunt them now.”
Whilst praising the likes of Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho technically, the Reds legend also conceded that they do not have the energy defensively. Additionally, Carragher comments that Liverpool’s existing midfield needs updating in the near future.
“How it’s been allowed to happen that Liverpool did not sign a midfielder in the summer… And have signed [Cody] Gakpo now. If Liverpool think they can get top four without signing a midfielder, they’ve got absolutely no chance.”
His post-match thoughts reflect many in the Reds’ fanbase, plus come at a time when a new midfield target has emerged.
Liverpool plotting move for Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes
Before the loss to Brentford, The Telegraph reported that Jurgen Klopp was ready to move for Matheus Nunes. The paper stated that Liverpool were preparing a £44 million bid for the Wolves midfielder. No formal discussions have started between the two sides, though.
Despite only moving to Molineux in August 2022, Nunes has attracted interest from other clubs. However, Sky Sports suggest that a summer exit is more likely than him leaving this window. So, as it stands, Nunes seems to be staying put at Wolves – at least for now.
Failing this move, the Daily Mail claim that Liverpool may look to pick up a midfielder on loan in January. They tried this in the summer with Arthur Melo – but, unfortunately, his injury has nullified any chance of making an impact thus far. Will Jurgen Klopp want to risk a short-term move again? The rumours suggest otherwise.
Elsewhere, the Reds are still in the running for the marquee midfield options. Jude Bellingham is still heavily linked to Merseyside but is also on Real Madrid’s radar. Similarly, Enzo Fernandez is commanding a huge fee at Benfica, with Chelsea seemingly leading that race.
In addition, speculation has linked Brighton’s Moises Caicedo to Anfield, though they are reluctant to let him go.
Liverpool will ultimately have to spend in order to resolve their midfield issues. Whether that comes with the current owners or a change at the top remains to be seen.
Featured image credit: YouTube/SkySports