Liverpool 'prioritising' defensive midfielder signing before transfer window closes

Liverpool are reportedly planning to sign a new defensive midfielder before the summer transfer window closes next month.

Arne Slot is yet to make a single signing ahead of the 2024-25 campaign since replacing Jurgen Klopp as Reds head coach at the end of June.

Liverpool have seen a total of four players depart the club this summer, most notably midfielder Thiago Alcantara and centre-back Joel Matip upon the expiration of their contracts.

Reinforcements in both defence and midfield are therefore thought to be high on the agenda for the Merseysiders, with new sporting director Richard Hughes one of the main men in charge of incomings and outgoings at Anfield.

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Liverpool targeting new holding midfielder

According to The Athletic football correspondent David Ornstein, Liverpool aim to bolster their squad with a new No.6 before the summer transfer window slams shut.

Ornstein states that the Reds consider the addition of a new defensive midfielder as a market priority, but they are not pursuing a midfielder who currently plies his trade in the Premier League.

Across their three friendly wins over Real Betis, Arsenal and Manchester United, Liverpool have used Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch in the No.6 role.

While the latter two have looked comfortable in the defensive role, Endo has struggled in the early stages under Slot to get to grips with the Dutchman's patient possession-based philosophy.

Slot was recently asked whether he was in the market for a new holding midfielder, and he told reporters: "I think Ryan (Gravenberch) did really well in that position (against Man United) and we have other options as well.

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"The best way to judge it is when we have all the players back and we still haven't, but a club like Liverpool always keeps its eye open to see what's available, players who can strengthen the squad and that is what we - Richard (Hughes) mostly - but me as well are looking to do. That is not particular to one position. We constantly evaluate the squad."

Which defensive midfielders could Liverpool target?

It has recently been reported that Liverpool hold an interest in Juventus's Adrien Rabiot, but the Frenchman is not considered a defensive midfielder.

Instead, the Reds could reignite their interest in players such as Porto's Alan Varela or Atalanta BC's Ederson who were both linked with a move to Anfield earlier this year.

PSV Eindhoven's Joey Veerman and Burnley's Sander Berge are two other holding midfielders who may also be on Liverpool's radar this summer.