Liverpool are interested in midfield additions for the summer transfer window despite the depth and quality Arne Slot has in central areas, according to reports.
The 2024 summer transfer window was marked by the disappointment of not signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi but his rejection turned out to be a gift to Slot.
The Dutch manager was left with no choice but to play 22-year-old Ryan Gravenberch at the base of midfield. The former Bayern Munich and Ajax midfielder is now viewed as one of the best midfielders in the Premer League.
His energy and dynamism are crucial to the Reds and while Liverpool would love to add another Dutch midfielder in Frenkie de Jong, his wages are reportedly too expensive for the Reds so they are looking elsewhere.
Liverpool decide de Jong’s wages are too high, now looking elsewhere
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool “remain keen to strengthen in midfield for next season” despite the Reds engine room working smoothly as they set their targets on the Premier League title.
After missing out on Zubimendi, Slot remains keen to add more talent to his midfield ranks with Frenkie de Jong a player of interest. The midfielder could be available for around €35 million (£29.1m) but his wages will be an issue it seems.
Data from Capology reveals that the Dutch midfielder earns a whopping €365,000 per week (£304k/week) that Liverpool will almost certainly not entertain. Not least because they are currently locked in triple contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk but it’s also not Liverpool’s style to offer new players massive wages out the gate.
Thiago Alcantara is potentially the only exception to this rule after he earned around £200,000 per week after his move from Bayern to Liverpool. Still, he was in a different bracket of footballer entirely.
Who do Liverpool want instead of Thiago?
Caught Offside reports that Liverpool are considering Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller as a potential summer signing given his rising stock in the Bundesliga.
His contract, which expires in 2028, includes a €40 million (£33.3m) release clause which could entice Liverpool to make a move. Talks are yet to be held with Stuttgart and likely won’t for a while even if the Reds are serious about moving for him.
Fbref data reports that Stiller is a very proactive and forward-thinking footballer, averaging nine progressive passes (97th percentile) per game with around two key passes per match.
