Liverpool are considering a move for Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge ahead of next week’s deadline, according to reports.
Jurgen Klopp has been adamant for much of the summer that the Reds’ transfer business had been concluded with the arrivals of Fabio Carvalho, Darwin Nunez and Calvin Ramsay. But with an injury crisis engulfing his midfield options, the Kop boss has accepted a change of tact is now necessary.
Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are all on the sidelines, with Klopp admitting a transfer may now be necessary. “I know we have had this discussion since it all started and I am the one who said we don’t need a midfielder and you were all right and I was wrong,” he said earlier this week.
“That’s the situation. There is really nothing more to say about it. We are looking for it, and if it is the right player we need him and if it is not the right player we don’t need him.”
A number of names have been touted as potential options for Liverpool, who finally got their Premier League campaign up and running with the thrashing of Bournemouth. Jude Bellingham is a target for Anfield chiefs, although there is an acceptance that following the exit of Erling Haaland, Borussia Dortmund will not sell until at least next summer.
Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves is another name tentatively linked, although the Midlands outfit are driving a hard bargain amid reports they will ask for upwards of £70m. Norwegian international Berge would be a cheaper option and The Yorkshire Post claims he is now under consideration.
The 24-year-old has shone for the Blades ever since arriving in January 2020 and despite their relegation to the Championship, still has admirers at a host of top-flight clubs. And it is understood that Berge has a £35m release clause in his contract, meaning a deal - on paper at least - could be simpler to complete before the deadline at 11pm on September 1.
Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom recently admitted that while there has been plenty of speculation surrounding the star midfielder’s future, things have recently slowed down.
“Early on there was a lot of noise and bids but then it’s gone quiet,” he said last week. “Which is great for me personally. Sander’s in the thick of it but he’s been performing and training well. He’s a good lad, he’s driven and he knows the situation.
“Everything’s been done properly so there’s no surprises, nothing’s jumping out the woodwork and hopefully nothing does.”
Liverpool owner John W Henry made a rare Anfield appearance on Saturday and watched on as Klopp’s side dismantled Bournemouth 9-0. The Premier League record-equalling victory was Liverpool’s first of the season, following draws with Fulham and Crystal Palace and defeat at Manchester United.
