Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool ready to open Matheus Nunes talks after Klopp spots issue in pre-season; Lisbon demanding big fee

Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus battling Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes

Liverpool are preparing to lay the foundations for a Matheus Nunes transfer in 2023, though Sporting Lisbon will make the Reds pay full price, per a Portuguese report.

The Reds’ summer business in 2022 may have already concluded. Calvin Ramsay arrived to provide back-up to Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back. Fabio Carvalho may play an important role as the link between midfield and attack, while Darwin Nunez has big shoes to fill after replacing Sadio Mane in the front line.

Liverpool have persistently been linked with making a more conventional addition to Carvalho in midfield.

Indeed, they chased Aurelien Tchouameni, though ultimately lost out to Real Madrid.

Jude Bellingham remains a firm target and is a favourite of Jurgen Klopp. However, Dortmund have already sold one superstar this summer in the form of Erling Haaland and will make suitors wait until 2023 for Bellingham at the earliest.

Matheus Nunes is another name frequently mentioned alongside a move to Anfield. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently detailed why a move would make perfect sense.

The 23-year-old operates as a traditional central midfielder and could play in any of the three middle positions Klopp typically fields.

Wolves and Man City have also drawn links, though the latest from Portuguese outlet, Correio da Manhã, stresses it’s Liverpool that are making moves.

Matheus Nunes deal taking shape?

Via Sport Witness, they report Nunes has become a ‘priority’ target for 2023. What’s more, Liverpool are now prepared to ‘start negotiations’ over a summer switch in 2023.

The reasoning for that apparent change comes from Klopp reportedly identifying ‘new needs’ during pre-season. As a direct result, the Reds ‘will now advance’ their early steps to sign the Portugal international.

Regarding cost, the outlet notes Sporting will demand around £38.5m plus a further £4m in add-ons.

Whether Liverpool will bid that high may depend on how their pursuit of Bellingham goes. Regardless, Sporting will reportedly offer no discounts on their valuation.

Why Liverpool need midfield reinforcements

The Liverpool Echo previously reported Liverpool’s transfer outlook for this window and the foreseeable future is one of ‘retain and refresh’.

Mohamed Salah’s new contract ticks the box in the first category, while the arrivals of Carvalho (19) and Nunez (23) check the latter.

Klopp has a plethora of options at his disposal in midfield at present. However, many are in their late 20s or early 30s and Liverpool cannot afford for their entire squad to grow old at the same time.

Could Matheus Nunes solve Liverpool's midfield problem?

Could Matheus Nunes solve Liverpool's midfield problem?

Liverpool have turned their attention to Matheus Nunes as a potential Jude Bellingham alternative.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, 28, is reportedly a target for West Ham. His contract expires next summer and given his limited influence, a new deal looks unlikely.

Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara will be 32 and 33 respectively this time next year. James Milner will be 37 and once again a free agent.

As such, the Reds may be willing to go big on midfield arrivals next summer. Bellingham will likely be their primary target, though a second addition could be required.