Despite signing Wataru Endō and Ryan Gravenberch as midfield options, Nicol argues that adding a young defensive midfielder is necessary for long-term stability and to alleviate any injury concerns. Liverpool’s first opportunity to address that will come in January, with FSG previously active in the winter window.
Currently sitting just one point behind Premier League leaders Manchester City, Liverpool has not encountered major issues without a dedicated defensive midfielder. However, there is a growing consensus among pundits and fans that Klopp should consider adding a younger player in this position. This would not only fill Fabinho’s shoes but also provide more options and flexibility for the team. Despite the club’s stance that there is no urgent need to recruit a defensive midfielder in the upcoming window, Nicol — who made 468 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions — disagrees. He believes that Liverpool should be actively searching for a suitable candidate. Speaking on the ESPN FC podcast, Nicol said: “If they can get somebody beside [Dominik] Szoboszlai and Mac Allister, they can just take a step further forward. Right now I don’t know [who that could be], I don’t have anyone.”
Nicol mentions his initial thought of Sofyan Amrabat as a potential candidate but acknowledges that it hasn’t worked out at his current club, Manchester United. He suggests that FSG should be on the lookout for someone who can sit behind Szoboszlai and Mac Allister, allowing them to contribute more offensively — finding the right option could avert the mistakes seen at Old Trafford, although it’s a tough area in which to recruit.
There have been several players linked with Liverpool, including Copa Libertadores winner André Trindade and Genoa’s Morten Frendrup. However, no concrete moves have been made yet. It is worth noting that Liverpool’s current options, such as Endō and occasionally Curtis Jones, have been filling the defensive midfield role to some extent. However, Nicol believes that neither player is the ideal long-term solution.
While there may be differing opinions on whether FSG should prioritize signing a defensive midfielder in January, Nicol’s perspective highlights the potential benefits of adding depth and stability to the squad. As Liverpool continues to compete at the top of the Premier League, strategic transfers could play a crucial role in maintaining its success.
Liverpool legend Steve Nicol believes that the Reds could be making a crucial error if they fail to sign a central defensive midfielder during the January transfer window. While Jürgen Klopp and FSG strengthened the midfield area with four signings over the summer, the unexpected departure of Fabinho has left a void in the squad.
