Liverpool to strengthen THREE positions in post-Klopp rebuild

Tom Weber

Updated: 6 Mar 2024 15:21 GMT
3 min read

Liverpool will look to reinforce three positions in the summer, but midfield likely won't be one of them, according to a report.

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The Reds underwent a major squad overhaul in 2023, with the long-time core of Jurgen Klopp's midfield departing the club. Four fresh faces were brought in, but Liverpool continue to be frequently linked with more midfield reinforcements.

While Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo have done admirably when deployed as the deepest of Liverpool's midfielders, the former is not really a holding midfielder and the latter is already 31, hence the speculation that this could be an area for another major signing.

Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has been associated with the Reds in light of his uncertain contract situation, though his former mentor Pep Guardiola is reportedly also interested. Nicolo Barella is another big-name midfielder linked with the Reds.

However, according to journalist Neil Jones, Liverpool are generally happy with their midfield and will likely look to strengthen different positions after Jurgen Klopp's departure at the end of the season.

Liverpool's summer targets

Speaking to CaughtOffside, Jones revealed that Liverpool will prioritise defensive reinforcements as well as a potential new forward over signing yet another star midfielder. “I would be very sceptical about links between Liverpool and players such as Joshua Kimmich and Nicolo Barella."

"Good players, no question. Great players, actually. But Liverpool are not short on midfielders, and with the exception of Endo and Thiago Alcantara, who is almost certainly leaving in the summer, they are all younger than those two."

“The potential of Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch is obvious, and with the likes of Stefan Bajcetic and Bobby Clark also emerging, it is hard to see the need for a 29-year-old Kimmich or a 27-year-old Barella."

“I personally feel Liverpool’s squad planning this summer will be about fine-tuning, rather than overhauling. They were happy with the midfield business they did last summer, so expect attention to switch to other areas – central defence, full-back and the forward line – now.”

Read more about: Premier League, Liverpool, Joshua Kimmich, Nicolò Barella