bb9jaLiverpool has been warned against following Manchester United into a major mistake, with a club legend flagging up a clear January transfer priority for FSG.
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. 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.”