Liverpool’s transfer strategy under sporting director Richard Hughes is facing increased scrutiny as the club attempt to reshape their squad before the deadline. The arrival of major attacking signings has attracted most of the attention, but questions remain over whether Liverpool have done enough to strengthen the defensive midfield position.
The need for an experienced holding midfielder has become more obvious during the opening matches of the season. Liverpool have shown attacking quality, but the team has sometimes lacked control when opponents break through the first line of pressure.
Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara has been linked with several clubs, including teams in the Premier League. Liverpool have reportedly monitored the Senegal international, but no agreement has been reached and the club have yet to make a decisive move for him.
That uncertainty places additional responsibility on Liverpool’s existing midfielders. Alexis Mac Allister can operate from a deeper position, while Dominik Szoboszlai provides energy and pressing ability. Youngster Trey Nyoni is also highly rated, but expecting a teenager to anchor Liverpool across the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and League Cup would carry considerable risk.
The same issue applies to the club’s young attacking players. Rio Ngumoha has already made an impact from the bench, but he is still adapting to senior football and should not be expected to carry the creative burden of a title-contending squad.
Liverpool are also dealing with major changes in attack. Mohamed Salah has departed after his contract expired, while Cody Gakpo remains the subject of interest from Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. City have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Netherlands international, although Liverpool have not yet approved his departure.
The club’s recruitment plans have been shaped by the proposed arrival of Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool have agreed a package worth up to £123 million for the French winger, who is expected to complete his medical before the transfer becomes official.
Liverpool have also explored the possibility of signing Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh. Their initial offer was rejected, but the player remains one of the options being considered as the club look for further attacking depth.
The situation surrounding Curtis Jones is less advanced than originally suggested. Inter Milan have shown interest, but reports indicate that Liverpool rejected an offer rather than agreeing a deal for the midfielder. Jones therefore remains part of the squad unless the Italian club submits an improved proposal.
On the pitch, Liverpool’s early performances have added to the pressure. Andoni Iraola’s side drew 2–2 with Newcastle before producing the same scoreline against Nottingham Forest. Liverpool twice came from behind against Forest, but the result also exposed weaknesses in defensive organization and midfield control.
Former Liverpool figures Steven Gerrard and Stephen Warnock have both questioned aspects of the team’s structure and confidence. Their concerns reflect the broader challenge facing Iraola: Liverpool possess outstanding individual talent, but the new squad has not yet developed a consistent tactical identity.
The club’s transfer decisions during the final days of the window will therefore be important. Liverpool need to decide whether to add an experienced defensive midfielder, retain Gakpo until a replacement is secured and keep enough depth to compete on four fronts.
The arrival of Barcola strengthens the attack, but Liverpool’s midfield and defensive balance remain unresolved. Hughes and Iraola must now ensure that the club’s ambitious recruitment programme produces a coherent team rather than a collection of expensive individual talents.
