Liverpool have reportedly called West Ham to discuss a transfer for Mateus Fernandes – a midfielder who is being compared to club legend Steven Gerrard. The price tag? Up to £100 million.
But, you’re probably thinking, I haven’t heard that Manchester United are almost going to have a deal in place. – So here it will be a race.
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Liverpool are expected to make several signings this summer to allow Andoni Iraola to put his own stamp on the squad. The Merseyside giants are already close to signing Victor Muñoz from Osasuna, and that is likely to be just the beginning of a hectic recruitment campaign.
Iraola wants to adjust several areas of the team – especially after losing Mo Salah and Ibrahima Konaté, and with a completely different style of play than Arne Slot.
Phone call to West Ham – about Fernandes
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool called West Ham about two weeks ago to discuss midfielder Mateus Fernandes. The talks didn’t get any further than an initial search, but they do reveal one thing: Liverpool are exploring midfield options this summer.
Fernandes, who has been described as “a player like a young Steven Gerrard” by a former head analyst, is likely to cost around £80 million – but West Ham should ideally want £100 million.
Liverpool were not willing to pay that amount, but the signal is still clear: The Reds are ready to spend big money to improve their midfield.
As of now, Ryan Gravenberch leads Liverpool’s midfield options, with Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister being other options. Many fans wanted an alternative to Gravenberch at times last season, and Jones has also been linked with a transfer.
Collymore: “Centre-back is most important”
In an interview with Empire of the Kop, former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore described what he believes are the club’s most important needs.
– Centre-back. Virgil is not getting any younger, he said.
“I think they are okay in midfield and in the 10 role. Hopefully Florian Wirtz will come in and add something there, and they should be ready up front with Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak and others.
“I would say that they don’t need major operations, just one or two tactical signings. I don’t have a name on my face – Ezri Konsa was definitely a goal, and he has won the Europa League and will play in the Champions League with Aston Villa.
“They need a really good centre-back – the next Virgil van Dijk for the next six or seven years. Someone who can gradually take over from Van Dijk and ensure that Liverpool – especially after last season, when they conceded so many goals – start to keep more clean sheets and defend much better.
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