Who, if not Bellingham? Targets for Liverpool's midfield

The possibility of Liverpool's top target being signed is uncertain. Therefore, who else can they pursue to address their biggest issue before the 2023-24 season?

This update may disappoint Liverpool fans who have been hoping for months that Jude Bellingham would arrive at Anfield this summer. Bellingham's arrival has been a source of comfort for the fans during the Reds' underwhelming and sometimes infuriating campaign.

According to The Athletic, Bellingham's move to Merseyside is becoming increasingly unlikely. Real Madrid and Manchester City are reportedly leading the race to sign the 19-year-old England international.

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Liverpool sources are keeping quiet as usual. However, with Jurgen Klopp publicly stating the need for "a big summer," and Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all out of contract at the end of the season, it is safe to assume that the club is already identifying potential summer targets. The club's struggle to secure Champions League qualification may be a hindrance, but it will not stop their efforts.

While Bellingham remains Liverpool's dream target, Klopp mentioned that there are many talented footballers available for a club like Liverpool. Sources familiar with the situation at Anfield revealed that there is a long list of potential summer targets, whether they finish in the top four or not.

Therefore, Betimate examines some players who should be on Liverpool's radar.

Moises Caicedo

The midfielder from Brighton has shown exceptional talent and potential to play for a club in the Champions League. During the January transfer window, Arsenal and Chelsea were keen on signing him. However, despite the player's public statement of wanting to leave, Brighton refused to sell him.

The midfielder from Brighton has shown exceptional talent

Caicedo has recently signed a new contract with Brighton, but some believe that it was done to protect his market value rather than a commitment to stay long-term. Although Liverpool sources have previously downplayed their interest in the 21-year-old, his skillset and young age would make him a perfect addition to their team. However, he is expected to come with a hefty price tag of over £80 million ($98m).

Alexis Mac Allister

What about Caicedo's colleague at the Amex Stadium? Mac Allister is undoubtedly a sought-after player, having played a significant role in Argentina's World Cup victory. Similar to Caicedo, he has also been linked to a transfer to a bigger and more high-profile club.

Mac Allister is undoubtedly a sought-after player

According to reports, the 24-year-old's father, Carlos, attended Liverpool's Champions League match against Real Madrid at Anfield last month. With his attacking skills and defensive contributions, Alexis could be a valuable addition to Liverpool's team.

However, it's worth noting that Liverpool suffered a 5-2 defeat to Real that night. Therefore, the Mac Allister family might have second thoughts about the prospect of a move to Merseyside.

Mason Mount

It seems highly probable that the English footballer, Mount, will depart from Chelsea during the upcoming summer season. Mount is about to enter the final year of his contract, and negotiations regarding a fresh agreement have encountered an obstacle. Liverpool, Manchester United, and the revitalized Newcastle team have expressed their keen interest in signing him, and Mount has already enlisted the services of a new agent, Neil Fewings, in anticipation of a transfer.

Mount will depart from Chelsea during the upcoming summer season

Despite a subpar performance this season, Liverpool has always been impressed with Mount's abilities and attributes, particularly his intelligent positioning and relentless work ethic. Given that Klopp is in the process of rebuilding his midfield, Mount's style of play could be a valuable addition to the squad. It's reasonable to expect Liverpool to be among the frontrunners for Mount's signature this summer.

Matheus Nunes

Despite an inconsistent debut season with Wolves in the Premier League, Nunes is a player whom Liverpool greatly admires. Rumors have circulated earlier this year that Liverpool has already agreed to bid for the 24-year-old this upcoming summer, after choosing not to pursue him when he transferred from Sporting CP to Wolves in August of last year.

Nunes is a player whom Liverpool greatly admires

Although Nunes has been in and out of the starting lineup at Molineux, he possesses both versatility and skill, and at a price of approximately £50m ($61m), he would not be excessively expensive. Nevertheless, Nunes still has much to prove in England.

Declan Rice

If Liverpool fails to secure the transfer of one English international player, could they pursue another? Rice and Bellingham have been anticipated to join a top-four club for some time, but West Ham's poor performance this season has raised concerns about whether the 24-year-old Rice is capable of performing at an elite level.

Rice and Bellingham have been anticipated to join a top-four club for some time

While Arsenal is said to be the most interested in signing Rice this summer, Manchester United has been an admirer of him for a long time. Although Liverpool is also fond of Rice, it remains uncertain whether they would be willing to spend around £100m ($122m) on a defensive midfielder.

Nicolo Barella

At 26 years old, the Italian footballer, Barella, is highly admired by both Jurgen Klopp and Pep Lijnders, as mentioned in Lijnders' book 'Intensity'. Given Inter's financial uncertainty, Barella could potentially make a big-money move this summer.

Barella could potentially make a big-money move this summer

Despite the reported price tag of approximately £60m ($73m), Liverpool may still pursue the midfielder even if they do not qualify for the Champions League. However, it remains to be seen whether Barella would be interested in playing in the Europa League or the Europa Conference League.

Joao Palhinha

Palhinha, who played a significant role in Fulham's impressive performance in the Premier League, is a player that Liverpool's scouting department is familiar with. He was signed by Sporting CP for a modest fee of £20m ($24m) in the previous summer and could be considered a steal. Despite being in his prime years at 27, he is primarily a defensive midfielder and not a No.8, which is a key area that Liverpool tends to target younger players for big-money signings.

Palhinha is a player that Liverpool's scouting department is familiar with

Teun Koopmeiners

A player who, much to the delight of the Dutchman, Liverpool is well aware of and has been connected with recently. With his age (24), physical attributes, and background with AZ Alkmaar, Atalanta, and the Dutch national team, Koopmeiners checks off many boxes.

He can play as a deep-lying or more advanced midfielder, which is another intriguing quality, but he wouldn't be cheap because he's an important member of the Bergamo team.

Adrien Rabiot

Another player who is frequently mentioned in connection with a move to the Premier League and who was one of France's top players at the most recent World Cup. Rabiot's contract expires in the summer as well, but Juventus wants to keep him in Turin longer.

He would bring his undeniable quality and a wealth of elite experience to any club. Nonetheless, his salary demands would be high, particularly for a player who would be 28 by the start of the summer.

Sofyan Amrabat

One of the World Cup's breakout stars, the Moroccan has strongly linked with Liverpool right afterward, but club insiders later downplayed the Reds' interest.

The Moroccan has strongly linked with Liverpool right afterward

The 26-year-old, who competes for Fiorentina in Serie A, is more of a specialist defensive midfielder than some others on this list, so he would offer steel and energy, but his price will only have increased as a result of his performances in Qatar, and there is currently little indication that Liverpool has him high on their priority list.

Manu Kone

Another rising star from the Bundesliga, Kone currently plays for Europa League champion Eintracht Frankfurt and has been linked to a number of other teams, including Newcastle.

Kone currently plays for Europa League champion Eintracht Frankfurt

The Frenchman, who is just 21 years old, appears to have a bright career ahead of him, and his all-around skill set might make him a very intriguing prospect for a team like Liverpool. Kone is definitely someone to keep an eye on, especially in light of recent claims in Germany that he would be available for less than £30 million ($37 million).

Luka Sucic

A player whose name Liverpool has been familiar with for a while and who appears poised to join the long list of players who have successfully left Red Bull Salzburg. Sucic is only 20 years old, but his all-around talent should make any elite club want to sign him.

Although he is more of a creator and goal scorer than a destroyer, Liverpool's partnership with the Red Bull organization is well-established, and this kid has enormous potential.

Ryan Gravenberch

Gravenberch is an intriguing figure who might become available this summer. After transferring from Ajax last year, he has had a difficult time adjusting to life at Bayern Munich.

Before to moving to Munich, Liverpool kept a careful eye on the Dutch international, who at 20 still has a lot to give any elite club. Bayern may not be willing to give up on him so quickly, though. Expect Liverpool to at least enquire whether they are.

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