Liverpool transfer talks UNDERWAY as Reds return for £50m star

Despite Liverpool’s fantastic start to the season, there is still room for improvement in the squad, and the Reds’ recruitment team have their eye on a long-time target.

Arne Slot’s side sit top of both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League and, 16 games into the season, look ready to compete on all fronts.

The Reds look great going forward and the most solid they’ve been defensively since they won the league in 2020.

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What is perhaps most impressive is that Slot has managed all of this without signing anyone in the position that was deemed the number one priority in the summer transfer window, a no.6.

The emergence of Ryan Gravenberch has proved to be a successful plan B. Still, when the transfer window reopens, Liverpool could once again be on the hunt for midfield reinforcements, with a long-time target reportedly available.

Liverpool ‘make contact’ with Tchouameni

According to a report by Sky, the Reds have begun enquiring about a deal for Aurelien Tchouameni as Real Madrid feel he will not be able to fill the void left by Toni Kroos’ retirement long-term.

The report states: “Liverpool Football Club has made contact with [Tchouameni’s] professional representatives in recent days to explore the possibility of a transfer.”

It also states that Madrid have set a £50 million price tag on Tchouameni, similar to the fee Liverpool were willing to pay for Martin Zubimendi in the summer.

Tchouameni is a long-time target of Liverpool, who tried to sign him back in 2022, as the Frenchman has admitted himself.

Speaking to Le Parisian in November 2022, Tchouameni said: “The first to come forward was Liverpool. We had discussions. Then Real came along and in my head everything was clear. It was Real and no other.”

Two and a half years later, Tchouameni may be offered a second chance at a move to Merseyside.

Liverpool’s holding midfield options

Although Ryan Gravenberch has been very impressive for the Reds this season, beyond the Dutchman there are few options at the base of the midfield.

Both Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton can play the position but Slot does not seem to properly trust either of the pair, and Endo is entering the latter stages of his career.

The fixture list for this season is more congested because of the new Champions League format, and so rotation will become increasingly important as the season progresses.

For these reasons, the signing of Tchouameni looks like a smart bit of business, especially if he is available for £50 million, and a January move for the Frenchman could be exactly what the Reds need to win it all this season.

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