Liverpool transfer news: Julian Ward looking at Brazilian starlet in bid to fix Jurgen Klopp midfield conundrum
It’s no secret that Liverpool have had their fair share of problems in midfield this season and they have got their eye on young Brazilian starlet Joao Gomes, according to a Brazilian journalist.
The Flamengo midfielder has popped up on sporting director Julian Ward’s radar as he looks to supplement Jurgen Klopp’s squad. The Reds boss has had his hands tied behind his back this season when it comes to his midfield options. Indeed, the Merseysiders have been ravaged by injuries and have been forced to chop and change.
Thiago Alcantara has recently returned from a hamstring injury and he has already missed six games this season. He’s not unfamiliar with time on the sidelines, having missed a total of 21 games through injury during his first year at Anfield.
Just as worryingly, Jordan Henderson has also started to slow down this season too. He’s sustained a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action for six games so far.
Since joining Liverpool in 2018 Naby Keita has been sidelined with a series of injuries.
As a result, he has struggled to have a real impact on the side.
At the age of 36 years old, James Milner has already racked up over 300 minutes of football this season due to Liverpool’s shortages in midfield.
Liverpool ended up making a deadline day move for Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo on a loan deal as a short-term fix. However, reports now suggest his loan may surprisingly be cut short.
Journalist claims Joao Gomes is a long-term target
Julio Miguel Neto has claimed that Klopp and Co have been monitoring Gomes for some time now.
Flamengo are currently third in the Copa do Brasil and they recently progressed through to the Copa Libertadores final.
Liverpool may be tempted to go in for a January offer although it is not yet clear how much Flamengo would be wanting for Gomes at this time.
The midfielder is only 21 years old and has already made over 100 appearances for Flamengo across three seasons.
Liverpool have been conscious of lowering the average age of their midfield and Gomes would be another example of this kind of recruitment.
For example, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones have both been afforded more first-team opportunities over the last few years.
Liverpool also signed Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho with a similar thought process in mind.
Liverpool can’t neglect their midfield
In order to play the high-pressing football Jurgen Klopp is best known for, their midfield is vital.
Liverpool have recently splashed out on the likes of Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz to boost their attack. Ibrahima Konate came in last summer enhance their defensive options, while Calvin Ramsay was brought in this. However, they have neglected to seriously improve their options in midfield.
Klopp is reportedly a huge admirer of Aurelien Tchouameni, though the French midfielder instead opted for Real Madrid.
There have also been suggestions that Liverpool have been holding out for a deal on Jude Bellingham.
Landing the Dortmund man will be far from easy with the player having plenty of suitors.
Liverpool’s most commonly used midfield this season has consisted of Elliott, Fabinho and Henderson.
Often this trio has often lacked balance though and they have struggled to dominate games.
In fairness, Liverpool have shown they are willing to spend money when the right player becomes available to them.
Perhaps this is their strategy when it comes to improving their midfield options.
Whether they see Gomes as the answer or not, they will surely go in for a midfielder in the next window.
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