Liverpool have had a busy transfer window with Darwin Nunez, Fabio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsey all being confirmed as new additions to the squad for the new season..
Anfield insiders expect Ramsay’s arrival to conclude Liverpool’s incoming summer business, with the club feeling that by signing the defender, Nunez and Carvalho, they have signed exactly what they felt they needed and wanted. A new midfielder is currently the Reds’ transfer priority for summer 2023, with Jude Bellingham known to be of interest , with club sources insisting that outgoings will not alter that stance as things stand.
With that in mind, Liverpool may well have other midfield alternatives who they are looking at should they decide against a move for Bellingham. Here, we take a look at five players who could be seen as alternate options to the Borussia Dortmund star.
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Ibrahim Sangare
The first in our list comes in the form of a player who has actually been linked with a move to Liverpool. PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahima Sangare has earnt plenty of admirers with his performances.
Sangare plays as a holding midfielder who is also capable of performing in a more central role when needed. By comparison to Bellingham, he may be slightly more defensive minded.
When Liverpool were linked with a new midfielder this summer, Sangare and Aurelien Tchouameni were the two names mentioned. Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the PSV star.
Gavi
Another high profile player who has been linked with strengthening Liverpool’s midfield this summer. Barcelona star Gavi is earning plaudits from many people who seem to know a thing or two about football.
His release clause currently stands at £42million, while his contract is due to run out next summer. For those reasons, Barcelona are keen to tie down the 17-year-old to a new deal.
Negotiations are currently underway, with all the noise coming from the Nou Camp suggesting an agreement could be close. But if Liverpool were to change their minds about signing a midfielder this summer, they’ll have to be quick if Gavi is their choice.
Matheus Nunes
Liverpool have made a habit in recent months of harnessing the talent in the Portuguese league. Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez are the two latest players to have moved to Merseyside for sizable transfer fees from the Primeira Liga.
Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes has been tentatively linked with a move to the Premier League for the past 12 months. Everton have been previously credited with an interest, while other English clubs are likely to have him on their radar.
Given Liverpool’s track record of scouting the Portuguese top flight, you would think it likely that a player with Nunes’ ability is catching their eye. Whether they go so far as to actually make a move, though, is another matter.
Pedro Goncalves
Yet another talent coming from the Portuguese league, Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Goncalves. Earlier in the summer, Liverpool were actually linked with signing the 23-year-old, with a £52m release clause apparently in his contract.
Goncalves is slightly more attack minded than Bellingham, and is often utilised in the wide areas rather than centrally. That being said, he’s versatile enough to be just as effective in the middle of the park as he is out wide.
Given Liverpool’s abundance in quality in their wide forward areas, Goncalves may not be top of their wish list. However, Klopp is a fan of players with versatility and Goncalves certainly ticks that box.
Amadou Haidara
One of the players competing with Bellingham in the Bundesliga is RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara. Liverpool have history with signing from the German club, thanks to Ibrahima Konate’s arrival last summer.
Haidara was linked with a move to Manchester United in January, when interim boss Ralf Rangnick was in charge. His pressing style is well suited to Liverpool’s style of play, and he’s capable of operating in a number of different positions in midfield.
The 24-year-old also sees Reds legend Steven Gerrard as his idol. When asked who he looked up to growing up on a special feature by UEFA back in 2018, Haidara was quick to name a certain former Liverpool captain as inspiration.
"Steven Gerrard. He was an exceptional player," he said. "He had it all and really battled on the pitch. He was an exemplary captain. I loved him as a player."
