Newly appointed Liverpool manager Arne Slot prioritised the reinforcement of defensive midfielders after pre-season. He came close to acquiring Real Sociedad’s Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but the deal was overturned in the final phase.
Since then, Liverpool have continued to be interested in the midfield player, but no concrete moves have been made and a year is soon to pass. In this summer’s transfer market, the club is aiming to strengthen its midfield, along with centre-backs, left-backs and centre-forwards.
According to Brazilian outlet Gazete do Urubu, Liverpool appear to have taken the lead in the battle to secure Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder João Gomes, who has often been linked with a move to Merseyside.
Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch and Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister have been active at the bottom of midfield, and Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo has been a dominant presence from the middle of the park, but he seems to be a little short in terms of fighting through a busy schedule.
The Dutch coach does not make much use of rotation, partly because he has full confidence in Gravenberch. The Dutch midfielder’s burden is increasing and it is inevitable that he will have rivals who can fight for his position.
The 24-year-old Brazilian midfielder has been a regular this season, making over ‘30’ appearances. He has an inexhaustible stamina and is a strong presence both offensively and defensively, and is willing to press hard. His Brazilian technique is also still in good form and he keeps the midfield tight until the end of the game.
The newspaper reports that a €60 million transfer fee is required, and that his former club Flamengo, who he played for before joining Wolves, have a 14% sell-on clause.
Will the 24-year-old midfielder, who has also been on the pitch in nine games for Brazil, decide to step up to Anfield…?