Experienced midfielders such as James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain left the team on free transfers. In addition, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho also left Anfield due to the lure of Saudi Arabia.
With a number of midfielders leaving in greater numbers than expected, Liverpool added experience to their young squad by bringing 30-year-old midfielder Wataru Endo, who has extensive experience in the Bundesliga and Japan, into the team, while also looking to use younger players more aggressively.
Liverpool, looking to further strengthen their midfield, have shown interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucouré and Bayern midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, while also eyeing Brazilian midfielder Andre, who plays for Fluminense.
According to the Globo, there has been movement in the transfer saga surrounding the player, with Liverpool making a first offer of €30 million for the player. However, Fluminense has rejected the offer, as it is their policy to avoid releasing the player until the winter.
The 22-year-old midfielder, who continues to gain recognition in Brazil, has a fighting attitude typical of South American players and can get forward and win the ball. He is not a pure defensive midfielder, but he has the flexibility to play either forward or backward in midfield.
Liverpool will need to add more if they want to land the player this summer. It depends on the progress of the other targets, but for a player who has no experience in the Premier League or on the international stage, any more money seems like a gamble.
Will Liverpool be able to acquire a midfielder to follow Endo in this summer’s transfer market?