Liverpool are said to be favourites to sign a Premier League midfielder this summer in a deal worth up to £50 million, with a second signing from the same squad also being considered
Jürgen Klopp, the manager of the Liverpool FC, is preparing for what appears to be a busy summer at Anfield. Liverpool has fallen considerably from their perch this season and will conclude the season without a title.
They can yet salvage the season by finishing in the top four and returning to the Champions League. They are now sixth, seven points behind Tottenham in fourth, despite having two games in hand. The real threat, however, may come from Newcastle, who appear to be returning to form.
Many things can be blamed, if you will, for Liverpool’s demise. The ineffectual pressing of a new-look Liverpool front three, along with Sadio Mane’s departure, has taken a heavy toll on them. The fatigue of a team that came near to an unprecedented quadruple last season; Klopp’s seven-year itch, which has hampered several of his teams; and injuries affecting the team’s results.
Whatever factor is picked – and it is most likely a combination of all of them – the reality that Liverpool needs a midfield rebuild is universally acknowledged.
Fabinho has been a shell of his former self this season. Additionally, both Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are expected to leave as free agents this summer, according to a top source.
As a result, Klopp is said to be looking for at least two midfield additions this summer.
Matheus Nunes is the favorite to join Liverpool.
Jude Bellingham appears to be the club’s first choice. Yet, any deal for him now appears to be riddled with complications.
Liverpool is currently searching the market for better value-for-money choices. And it appears that they will not be short of options, with a number of alternatives arising.
To that end, according to Monday’s Transfer Gossip, the Reds will oust Arsenal for a £44 million Serie A star.
Their first signing of the summer, though, could be closer to home, with a deal for Wolves star Matheus Nunes appearing to be moving forward.
Last August, Sporting Lisbon paid £38 million for the Brazilian-born Portuguese international. Wolves beat Liverpool to his signature despite being strongly connected with the Reds at the time.
Yet, their interest in him has never waned, and they have maintained a careful check on his progress since. Unfortunately, he has failed to make the expected impact, with only one assist from 29 games across all competitions.
As a result, Julen Lopetegui is apparently open to selling his stake in order to fund his Molineux reconstruction.
According to Football Insider, conversations over a trade are heating up. Then, after struggling to adjust to life in the Premier League, a fee of roughly £40 million – down from the £50 million asking price – was agreed upon.
Furthermore, Liverpool has an edge because Nunes is represented by the same agency that Darwin Nunez is. And it appears that Liverpool has a solid connection with Gestifute, with both parties ready to do business again.
The Portuguese corporation is led by Riccardo Silva, but it was created in 1996 by Jorge Mendes.
Wolves are still preparing for their first season in the Premier League. But, their 4-2 defeat at home to Leeds on Saturday has effectively relegated them to the relegation zone. And their demise would result in a slew of players, including Nunes, leaving Molineux.
Another Liverpool client on their books is Diogo Jota.
Liverpool is also keeping an eye on Ruben Neves.
The Reds are also rumored to be considering a double raid on Wolves, with Klopp apparently ‘keeping a close eye’ on Ruben Neves’ position.
His contract at Molineux is set to expire in the summer of 2024, and he has so far turned down offers to prolong his tenure.
As things stand, Wolves will almost certainly have to contemplate selling him this summer if an agreement cannot be reached. While Barcelona and Arsenal are rumored to be interested, it appears that neither will pursue that desire.
According to the Daily Mirror, Liverpool is now seriously exploring their own offer for Neves.
Any deal for the 26-year-old, who has shown to be one of the greatest midfielders in the Premier League outside of the top six, would be viewed as low-risk for Klopp.
Wolves, on the other hand, still value Neves at over £40 million, a figure they expect to accomplish despite his contract problems.
Relegation from the Premier League, like Nunes, would force their hand.
According to the article, Klopp will have to battle with Manchester United for his signature, with Erik ten Hag also interested.
A double raid on Molineux would cost the Reds between £80m and £90m. Yet, there is a growing consensus that signing the Portuguese pair, at a slightly lower cost than Bellingham, makes more sense.
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