Richard Hughes Targets Davide Frattesi as January Window Midfield Solution
Liverpool’s recruitment strategy under Richard Hughes has already reshaped the squad at significant cost, with close to £450m invested during the most recent summer window. Landmark deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak underlined both ambition and intent, reinforcing the attacking unit and sending a statement across the Premier League.
Yet amid that heavy outlay, one area was notably left untouched. The midfield, already stretched during the latter stages of the previous title-winning campaign, entered the season without reinforcement. That decision is now being tested as injuries continue to mount, sharpening the focus on the upcoming January window.
Midfield strain forces Hughes reassessment
The workload placed on Arne Slot’s midfield options has been relentless. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister were pushed hard last season and both have again found themselves managing fitness issues. Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo have also missed matches, leaving Liverpool exposed at key moments.
Those concerns intensified at Anfield last weekend when Dominik Szoboszlai suffered an ankle injury, further reducing available options. With all five senior midfielders having dealt with some form of absence this term, internal discussions are understood to be ongoing about whether cover can wait until summer.
From a recruitment perspective, January represents an opportunity to stabilise rather than overhaul. Hughes has historically favoured decisive, targeted additions, and the current situation suggests that approach may again come into play.
Davide Frattesi emerges on Liverpool radar
One name now being monitored closely is Davide Frattesi. Reports from Italy, on Anfield Watch, indicate that Liverpool are among several Premier League clubs tracking the Inter Milan midfielder, alongside Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.
Frattesi, 26, has established himself as a dynamic box-to-box presence capable of impacting games at both ends. Despite that profile, he has struggled for consistent starts this season under Cristian Chivu. His involvement has been limited to just one Serie A start, with several appearances coming from the bench.
Under contract until 2028, Frattesi is not actively being pushed out, but his uncertain role has prompted interest elsewhere. For clubs assessing value and availability ahead of the January window, that combination is difficult to ignore.
January window calculations at Anfield
Liverpool’s interest is believed to be rooted in practicality as much as long-term planning. With fixture congestion increasing and domestic and European demands colliding, adding a midfielder who can rotate without a drop in intensity is viewed as a sensible option.
Frattesi’s game is well suited to the Premier League. He covers ground aggressively, presses with purpose and has shown an ability to arrive late in the box, traits that would complement Slot’s tactical framework. His experience at the highest level, including a Serie A title and a Champions League final run, adds further appeal.
From Inter’s perspective, any January decision would be shaped by squad balance and financial terms rather than urgency. However, the player’s recent lack of minutes, including failing to feature in the club’s last four league matches, has inevitably raised questions about his medium-term future.
Strategic importance for Hughes and Liverpool
For Richard Hughes, the January window may be less about opportunism and more about risk management. Ignoring midfield reinforcement in the summer was a calculated call, but injuries have altered the equation.
A move for Frattesi would not signal panic, but rather a willingness to adapt. Whether Liverpool act in January or position themselves for a summer approach remains to be seen, but the groundwork appears to be in place.
With the season entering a decisive phase, ensuring depth and durability in midfield could prove just as important as any marquee signing. Frattesi’s situation is one to watch closely as January approaches.
