Jamie Carragher has explained why Liverpool are unlikely to sign a central midfielder this season and hinted that they ‘must have someone lined up next summer.’
The Reds have been linked to a host of midfield options throughout this window, thanks in part to the ageing trio of Fabinho, Thiago and Jordan Henderson - the latter pair of which are over 30. Recent injuries to the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones, followed by Naby Keita’s illness, reignited desperation among some Reds fans that midfield reinforcements are needed.
Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham has been on Jurgen Klopp’s shortlist for some time, but a £100million valuation from the German club has kept several suitors at bay - for this summer at least. And asked if Klopp and sporting director Michael Edwards may turn their attention to alternatives this summer, former Reds defender Carragher pointed to past business as evidence to the contrary.
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“No, they’re not,” Carragher told the Overlap when asked if they are looking at a midfielder. “I think Liverpool could still do with someone in midfield, not in terms of numbers-wise but in terms of quality-wise and I think - notoriously, how Liverpool have done their transfers - they wait for who they want.
“When they didn't get Van Dijk that time, they waited and they gave it to January, even though most fans were saying ‘you’ve got to go buy another centre-back’. They don't panic. Even when all their centre-backs were injured in the same season, in January, they brought a couple of centre-backs in but on-loan.
“They didn’t buy anyone because they didn't get who they wanted, which was Konate, and they waited. And I just think Liverpool - they’re not daft. The first choice midfield three right now is quite old, with all three getting into their 30s.
“But Liverpool are prepared to wait and I think that's one of the reasons why they're so good in the transfer market. So they must have someone lined up next summer.”
The Reds are facing stiff competition already for next summer’s Bellingham pursuit, with Real Madrid reportedly placing the teenager at the top of their shortlist. Klopp has hinted that the midfield is set for a transitional period and that has been backed by the additions of the likes of Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho in recent windows - as well as the promotion of Curtis Jones.
Keita is expected to be available for Saturday’s trip to Fulham, when Liverpool kick off their 2022/2023 Premier League campaign.
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