Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool to bring midfield plans forward with Julian Ward connection aiding heavy January investment in Prem newcomer

Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes battling Bournemouth star Jordan Zemura

Liverpool are discussing whether to accelerate their midfield transfer plans that could include moving for summer target Matheus Nunes mere months after he joined Wolves, per a report.

The Reds concluded their summer business with just four new faces drafted in. Calvin Ramsay is a future option at right-back following his arrival from Aberdeen. Fabio Carvalho already looks a snip after Liverpool agreed an initial £5m package with Fulham.

Reds fans haven’t seen the best of Darwin Nunez yet. Though given his lofty £86m price tag (including future add-ons), the Uruguayan will be given time to prove his worth.

Finally, Arthur Melo rounded out the additions when joining on loan from Juventus.

The Brazilian is yet to start for Liverpool despite their well documented issues in midfield. A £32m option to buy has been included, though there’s already been surprise talk his loan could be cut short in January.

Common sense would dictate Liverpool would only walk that path if they intended to sign a replacement. According to Brazilian outlet UOL, that’s exactly what they’re discussing internally right now.

Liverpool are fully expected to spend big revamping their midfield next summer. Jude Bellingham has known admirers at Liverpool – including Jurgen Klopp.

However, that move will likely have to wait until next summer at the earliest and per UOL, other targets are being monitored ahead of the January window.

Liverpool to press the accelerator?

They state Liverpool’s ‘initial idea’ was to wait until the summer of 2023 before flexing their muscles. However, it’s claimed Liverpool chiefs are already deliberating on whether to bring their plans forward to January.

Should they do so, Wolves’ Matheus Nunes is reportedly ‘top’ of Klopp’s list of preferred targets.

The Portugal international, 24, was heavily linked with Liverpool throughout the summer. However, when the Reds stayed silent, Wolves pounced, prising him away from Sporting Lisbon for around £38m.

He’s already looked at home in the Premier League in his early outings and the fact he’ll now have experience in England’s top flight is only making him even more attractive to Liverpool.

What’s more, Liverpool’s transfer chief, Julian Ward, has a budding relationship with Nunes’ agent, Jorge Mendes.

Another of Mendes’ clients is Darwin Nunez and Liverpool were able to beat Man Utd to his signature in the summer.

There’s no indication as to what Wolves’ stance would be if Liverpool did lodge a bid. However, it stands to reason they’d hold out for a tidy profit on their £38m outlay at the very least.

The report reaffirms Bellingham is a longer term target, and also names Argentine Enzo Fernandez as a newcomer on Liverpool’s radar.

The 21-year-old joined Benfica from River Plate in June and is already catching the eye in Europe.

Matheus Nunes could spell trouble for Harvey Elliott

The 24-year-old already looks well at home in the faster paced Premier League.

His early outings for Wolves have showcased his high workrate and willingness to get forward.

Aside from his ability to press – something that’s necessary from the midfield to ensure Liverpool’s high line isn’t exposed – he’s also found himself in several dangerous positions in front of goal.

In effect, he’d represent something of an upgrade on the role Harvey Elliott is currently occupying.

Elliott has shone going forward, though he boasts a strikingly low successful duels percentage.

He also struggles to anticipate the opposition’s build-up,  meaning he rarely registers interceptions or tackles. His defensive pressures are also surprisingly low for someone who plays with great energy.

Nunes would give Liverpool’s engine room a sturdier feel, though obviously, won’t come cheap.

However, if the Reds are serious about overhauling their midfield, a Nunes swoop in January followed by Bellingham next summer would be a fine way to do it.