It’s a position that Jurgen Klopp will scarcely be comfortable with. The summer transfer window shuts in just 16 days’ time - yet a new defensive midfielder continues to elude.
After the sales of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson - to Saudi Arabia sides Al-Ittihad and Al-Ettifaq respectively - the Reds are short of options in the engine room.
And despite the 2023-24 Premier League already commencing, Jurgen Klopp is still to find a replacement. Of course, Liverpool have been trying. They made a £110 British record offer for Moises Caicedo that was accepted by Brighton. However, Caicedo opted to join Chelsea.
The London club also look set to beat the Reds to Southampton’s Romeo Lavia. Klopp’s side had three offers culminating at £45 million rebuffed by Southampton.
Now Liverpool will have to turn their attention elsewhere - and here’s a look at the potential midfielders who could still be targeted.
5. Ibrahim Sangare - PSV Eindhoven
Cody Gakpo’s former team-mate helped PSV to win the KNVB Cup and finish second in the Eredivisie last season, scoring eight goals in 45 games. Sangare reportedly has a £32m release clause but PSG are said to be keen. | ANP/AFP via Getty Images Photo: MAURICE VAN STEEN/ANP/AFP via Getty Images
6. Florentino Luis - Benfica
Made 54 appearances last season to help Benfica to the Portuguese title. Liverpool have been linked but reports have suggested that Benfica are resigned to losing Luis after banking £107m from Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez in Janaury. | Getty Images Photo: Gualter Fatia/Getty Images
7. Khephren Thuram - Lille
Liverpool were heavily linked with the France international earlier in the window. Thuram was named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year last season although it’s been suggested that the Reds have been unwilling to meet his price and wage demands. | AFP via Getty Images Photo: FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
8. Ryan Gravenberch - Bayern Munich
Endured a difficult 2022-23 at Bayern, with the majority of his 33 appearances coming off the bench. The German champions are reportedly reluctant to allow Gravenberch to leave but he was an unused sub in their Super Cup loss to RB Leipzig. | Getty Images Photo: Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images