Reds in Pursuit of Quality and Depth
Liverpool are reportedly pushing hard to sign another midfielder before the transfer window shuts on Friday evening. Despite a strong start to the season with seven points from three games, the Reds are still determined to bring in some extra quality and depth to their ranks.
Reliable Sources Point to New Targets
Reliable German Sky reporter, Florian Plettenberg, is reporting that Liverpool are likely to push to sign Ryan Gravenberch this week. Other reports in Germany suggest that Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios is also on Liverpool’s radar. Whereas domestic reports are today suggesting that Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is admired by the Reds.
Klopp’s Summer Additions
Jurgen Klopp has already added Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wataru Endo to his midfield this summer. Many fans have suggested that another defender may be more important, but a fourth midfielder looks like the more likely option at the moment.
Who Are the Potential New Faces?
Ryan Gravenberch
Ryan Gravenberch is a 21-year-old midfielder, currently playing for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. The Dutch international has been on Liverpool’s radar for some time but opted for a move to Munich after leaving Ajax last summer. Gravenberch is currently valued at around £30 million, but a loan move to the Reds is also a possibility.
Exequiel Palacios
Exequiel Palacios is a 24-year-old versatile midfielder, who is also playing in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen. Although he is usually deployed as a number eight, he is also capable of playing in advanced and deeper roles. Palacios could definitely be seen as the cheapest option, with the midfielder currently valued at £22 million.
Douglas Luiz
Finally, Douglas Luiz is a 25-year-old midfielder currently playing for Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in the Premier League. The former Manchester City youngster has been linked with a move away from Villa Park over the past few transfer windows. Transfermarkt currently values Luiz at around £40 million, but a move would likely cost upwards of £50 million.
Why Liverpool Want These Players
Liverpool are likely targeting these three midfield options due to their versatility in the middle of the park. The Reds already have two specialist defensive midfielders in Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo. Once recovered from injury, Tyler Morton could also be added to that list of defensive options. Klopp could also utilise the likes of Alexis Mac Allister and Thiago Alcantara in the deep-lying role. Therefore, the admiration for these three players is likely down to their well-rounded attributes that allow them to play variouLiverpool, Transfer Window, Jurgen Klopp, Ryan Gravenberch, Exequiel Palacios, Douglas Luiz, Bundesliga, Premier League, Aston Villa, Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Midfield Targets, Transfer Rumors, Summer Transfers, Florian Plettenbergs roles in the midfield.
Stats Speak Volumes
All three players are hugely comfortable on the ball, boasting an average of at least 85% pass completion over the past year. In terms of progressive passes per 90 minutes, all three average at least five. When it comes to defensive ability, Palacios is the most effective with 3.41 tackles and 5.28 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes.
The Best Option for Liverpool
Personally, I think that Palacios could be the most reliable option out of the three while also being the cheapest. However, I think both Gravenberch and Luiz have higher ceilings in terms of potential ability than the Argentine midfielder. With the young age profile of Liverpool’s midfield, a more experienced option like Palacios would be ideal. With 176 senior appearances in his career, Palacios could be a brilliant piece of business by the Reds.
