Liverpool are the only Premier League club yet made a first-team signing during the 2024 summer transfer window.
The Reds managed to claw themselves back into the top four last season and that will once again be the bare minimum under new coach Arne Slot.
The Dutch manager got off to the perfect start last week against Ipswich Town, but central midfield remains a potential weakness for the Reds.
Ryan Gravenberch was tasked with playing a midfield two alongside Alexis Mac Allister and showed glimpses of excellence, but he looked a bit lost when it came to the out-of-possession work, winning just five of his 11 duels.
So, in the final days of the transfer window, Liverpool could focus on recruiting a new midfielder.
The Reds saw Martin Zubimendi reject their advances in favour of staying with Real Sociedad, but they're still not short of options and links in the transfer market
Liverpool midfield targets
Adrien Rabiot
Adrien Rabiot is the latest midfielder being linked with Liverpool, and this would make a lot of sense from several points of view. He is a free agent for the second time in his professional career and has yet to command a transfer fee.
The French international has already played for both PSG and Juventus but is now seemingly open to trying out the Premier League. Rabiot does come with some excess baggage – which is well known—including his mother being his agent and some off-field decisions, not the least of which is always letting his contract run down.
Rabiot will have a plethora of options this summer given his pedigree in the game, he does not command a transfer fee and is still just 29. He's capable of playing as a central midfielder and also a more defensive option, so this one would certainly tick a lot of boxes for the Reds.
Bruno Guimaraes
This is by far the most difficult and expensive deal to complete on this list, with Bruno Guimaraes' £100 million release clause now expired. The Brazilian international has been hotly tipped with clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and PSG. Still, Newcastle United have managed to keep hold of their star man thus far.
Guimaraes can play multiple positions throughout the midfield and would be someone the Reds could build their core team around for years to come. He's still only 26, so his best years are ahead of him, but it remains to be seen if Liverpool have the money available to splash the proverbial cash.
The Newcastle captain has improved his attacking output each season he's been with the Magpies, so can still improve. It would certainly be the deal of the transfer window if Liverpool could land Guimaraes, but it looks incredibly unlikely.
Ederson
If Liverpool are serious about signing a number six and someone who can break up play, Ederson should be at the top of the list. The Brazilian was a key component in Atalanta winning the Europa League and also finishing inside the top four in Serie A.
Last season, Ederson was second in Serie A for tackles made, so he would be the perfect man to come into Slot's side. The midfielder would allow for more attacking players to push forward and flourish, knowing they have a combative and defensive-minded teammate behind them.
