Liverpool are moving into a new era with new manager Arne Slot after the departure of Jurgen Klopp. In addition to rejuvenating the centre-backs, whose average age has been rising, the club will also aim to strengthen the forwards, whose goal tally has been declining towards the end of the season.
Apart from that, there are reports that Liverpool could also add new players to their midfield, which was a major reinforcement in the transfer market last summer. Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves, who plays for Benfica, is said to be one of the targets, with mega clubs all interested.
According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, other clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Manchester United are also interested in the youngster, but Premier League clubs, including Liverpool, seem to have the upper hand in the battle for him.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who was promoted to the first team in January 2023, has secured a regular place in the team and has made 55 appearances this season. He has also gained experience on the European stage, including in the Champions League and Europa League, and has already been on the pitch for five games for Portugal.
The race for the player, who has the potential to become one of the best defensive midfielders in the world in the future, is set to become even more intense, with transfer fees going through the roof.
It is not realistic for Liverpool to win the financial battle. With a contract remaining until June 2028, it is highly likely that a very high fee will be demanded, and it is unlikely that the reports will turn out to be true unless the offer is as rushed as the offer made to Moises Caicedo last summer.
In addition, strengthening the midfield is not a priority and is not an issue that is troubling enough to allocate limited budgets to. It is hard to see a future in which Liverpool would be in a position to secure a Portuguese midfielder, but…!