Liverpool passed on deals for Yves Bissouma, Youri Tielemans and Kalvin Phillips this summer
After missing out on their midfield target this summer, Liverpool are perhaps going to bide their time instead of looking at short-term options to strengthen the midfield. According to National News Sport (h/t Mirror), the Reds passed up on potential “easy” deals for three midfielders this summer.
Aurelien Tchouameni was Liverpool’s favourite option for an addition in the middle of the park as Jurgen Klopp looked to bring in a new midfielder. But the Frenchman completed a move to Real Madrid instead.
The Merseyside club is now looking to wait until next year to go after the signing of Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund. And in their pursuit for the Englishman, the Reds have passed on deals for midfielders Youri Tielemans, Kalvin Phillips and Yves Bissouma this year.
Liverpool seemingly don’t want to bring in players who won’t be ‘game-changing acquisitions’. The wage structure is also supposedly a consideration as the Reds don’t want to sign someone with high wages.
All in all, this could indicate that the club is planning for the possible signing of Bellingham, who at 18 years of age has already made a name for himself in world football.
Will the long-term plan have a short-term effect?
Liverpool have a strong midfield with Thiago, Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita, and shrewd backups in James Milner, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones. But some fans might wonder whether it’s enough to challenge for every title again next season.
With other top teams strengthening, it’s unlikely that the quality of games will drop. And Jurgen Klopp’s high-intensity play can take a toll on some players. Fans will have noticed the team becoming a bit sluggish by the end of last season.
Also, small niggling injuries have affected Thiago and Fabinho this season. The absence of either of them reduces the quality in the middle of the park a bit.
With this in mind, with a prudent addition to the midfield, fans would have been able to take a sigh of relief in case an injury occurred. Only the end of next season will help us decide whether the possible decision to not sign a midfielder this summer is the right one.
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If we don’t sign anyone and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain remains on board, hopefully, we at least see the Englishman get a little additional gametime.
