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.
9. Aurelien Tchouameni - Real Madrid
Liverpool were keen on the France international before he opted to join Real last summer. He didn’t have a scintillating maiden season at the Santiago Bernabeu but he’s still reportedly considered a key player. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images
10. Manu Kone - Borussia Monchengladbach
Another name on Liverpool’s radar earlier this summer. However, Monchengladbach have recently admitted it would take a ‘crazy offer’ for Kone to be sold. Aged 22, he does have the scope to improve. Made 33 appearances last season, scoring once. | Getty Images Photo: Christof Koepsel/Getty Images
11. Sofyan Amrabat - Fiorentina
Couldn’t have been more impressive at the 2022 World Cup as he proved to be the lynchpin in Morocco’s shock run the to semi-finals. However, it has been suggested that Man Utd are the front runners to land Amrabat. | Getty Images Photo: Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images