Michael Edwards’ Return Sparks Hope for Midfield Reinforcements
Liverpool’s search for a top-tier defensive midfielder is gathering momentum as Michael Edwards, the club’s esteemed former sporting director, has reportedly taken a more direct role in negotiations. As revealed by Steve Pearson of TeamTalk, Edwards has returned to Anfield in a capacity that places him at the forefront of Liverpool’s pursuit of a new No. 6—a critical position Liverpool attempted to fill with Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi during the summer. With January approaching, the question arises: will Liverpool finally land their man?
Edwards’ Influence in the Transfer Market
Few names in football are as closely associated with successful transfer dealings as Michael Edwards. His previous tenure at Liverpool saw the acquisition of key players such as Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker—moves that ultimately transformed Liverpool into Premier League and Champions League winners. After a brief absence, Edwards has returned to a different role, serving as the CEO of Football under FSG. However, according to Football Insider, he is now “spearheading the club’s search for a new number six.”
Edwards’ involvement is seen as vital, especially after Liverpool’s failure to land Zubimendi. Despite the Spanish midfielder being tipped for a new contract at Real Sociedad, recent comments from club president Jokin Aperribay suggest otherwise. Aperribay remarked, “There have been no conversations with Zubimendi to renew his contract… He has not put a renewal as a condition nor have we talked about it.” This revelation may leave the door ajar for Liverpool to make another move in January.
Does Liverpool Truly Need a No. 6?
The debate over whether Liverpool require a defensive midfielder continues to divide fans and pundits alike. Ryan Gravenberch, who has started all of Liverpool’s Premier League matches this season, has performed admirably alongside Alexis Mac Allister. However, an injury to either player could leave manager Arne Slot with a significant dilemma. The current alternatives include Wataru Endo, whose defensive qualities are unquestionable, but lacks the technical flair required for Slot’s high-tempo system.
Curtis Jones remains another option, but his slow decision-making on the ball has drawn criticism. With Liverpool’s midfield often required to operate at breakneck speed, especially against elite opposition, Jones could prove to be a weak link. Slot may also be tempted to experiment with dropping Dominik Szoboszlai into a deeper role, though the Hungarian international has thrived in the more advanced No. 10 position since joining from RB Leipzig.
Another tactical shift could see Trent Alexander-Arnold move permanently into midfield. However, this would necessitate Conor Bradley filling the right-back position left vacant by Alexander-Arnold—a risk Slot may not be willing to take.
Midfield Depth: A Key Concern for Liverpool
Liverpool’s current midfield depth is serviceable, but concerns remain over its ability to sustain a competitive challenge on all fronts. Tyler Morton, who impressed on loan at Hull City, is still on the books but remains untested at the highest level. Liverpool’s track record of injuries in midfield, combined with the high-intensity demands of Slot’s system, suggests that acquiring a new, high-calibre No. 6 could be the difference between success and failure this season.
As the January window approaches, several unnamed midfielders are being monitored, as Liverpool’s willingness to sanction a major mid-season move is growing. With Edwards now playing a pivotal role in securing the right player, Liverpool’s prospects of bolstering their midfield look promising.
Mohamed Salah’s Contract Saga and Other Concerns
Meanwhile, speculation over Mohamed Salah’s future continues to swirl, with the player’s agent, Ramy Abbas Issa, providing no clear indication of whether a contract extension is on the cards. Additionally, former Liverpool defender Joel Matip is rumoured to be considering a return to the Premier League, which could further complicate Liverpool’s squad planning.
In the backdrop of these negotiations, Liverpool’s pursuit of a defensive midfielder is increasingly urgent. Although the team has coped well in the early stages of the season, the prospect of signing a proven No. 6 in January could be crucial for maintaining momentum.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From the perspective of a frustrated Liverpool supporter, the club’s ongoing struggles to secure a high-quality defensive midfielder have been a source of concern. While Michael Edwards’ return is undoubtedly positive news, it raises questions about why Liverpool couldn’t finalise a deal for Zubimendi in the summer. His profile fits the bill perfectly, and yet the club has been left scrambling for alternatives, with none of the current midfield options providing the ideal solution for a No. 6 role.
Gravenberch and Mac Allister have been fantastic, but the lack of depth beyond these two is glaring. Wataru Endo is a solid squad player, but is he really the type of player who can dominate a midfield battle against Europe’s elite? Probably not. Curtis Jones, for all his potential, hasn’t yet proven himself as a reliable option in high-stakes matches, and the experiment of moving Trent into midfield is risky at best.
Many fans are questioning why the club wasn’t more aggressive in the market earlier and why Edwards has had to step in now. Is this a sign of desperation, or a calculated move to make sure Liverpool don’t fall short in a crucial season? The January window will be telling, and if Liverpool fail to bring in a proper defensive midfielder, fans will have every right to feel frustrated. We deserve to be competing at the highest level, and that requires proactive planning, not last-minute scrambling.
