Liverpool manager’s favourite midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic put up for sale by his club.
Liverpool has been under increasing pressure to improve their midfield since the World Cup ended.
While it’s true that the Reds had difficulties before the break, some of this was due to injury. That had been their backup plan for months as the possibility of missing out on next season’s Champions League increased. Make it to a midseason training camp in Dubai, welcome players back from layoffs, and regroup in 2023.
Jurgen Klopp needs a squad overhaul
However, recent weeks have shown that this reset button is anything but that. Jurgen Klopp’s team still struggles, and despite some players returning from injury, their midfield appears more exposed than ever.
It is well known that the Reds intend to replace their engine room this season. It’s similar to how they overhauled their offensive line over the previous 12 months. But now, such plans may be put on hold.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner, Arthur Melo, and Naby Keita are currently unaffiliated with the club past the end of the current campaign. They require more than one newcomer to help with this anticipated renovation.
Jude Bellingham is Klopp’s top pick. But Borussia Dortmund doesn’t seem eager to let him depart in January.
The Reds have previously demonstrated that they prefer waiting for the ideal player to sign any old player immediately to fill a hole, even though such a target is currently unattainable. It is, therefore, obvious why Klopp has stated that he does not anticipate “splashing the dough” during this month’s transfer window, with an eye toward the summer.
Liverpool bought Cody Gakpo this winter. The Dutchman moved from PSV for an initial fee of £37 million. Following the signing, Klopp acknowledged that the agreement might affect any upcoming Reds business in January.
Therefore, if the intended target is not currently for sale, the Reds will not likely break their transfer record this month.
Liverpool might go in for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic
One such player might be Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. Serbian has so far refused to agree to a contract renewal. Reports in Italy indicate Lazio has grown unhappy and would be willing to let him depart. His current contract expires in 2024.
Il Messagero, via Tutto Juve, claims that the Serie A team would be willing to approve a loan exit for the 27-year-old this month for £8.8 million. According to the report, an additional £35.3 million would be needed to make the trade permanent in the summer. The player’s agent, former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman, has reportedly held negotiations with the Old Lady. And he has been in contact by Arsenal and Juventus.
According to Corriere Dello Sport, Arsenal reportedly dispatched scouts to watch Lazio defeat Verona 2-0 in September. Chelsea and Manchester United are also rumoured to be interested in the midfielder. Over the years, Milinkovic-Savic has frequently been associated with the Red Devils.
Regarding rumours about the Serbian, Liverpool hasn’t gotten much attention. But he would fit their midfield needs on paper. After all, while describing the kind of midfielder, his squad lacks in the summer, Klopp essentially characterised the 27-year-profile old’s when defending his present midfield choices.
