Liverpool secured a dramatic 2-2 stalemate against Newcastle United on Sunday night, with the summer transfer deadline now rapidly approaching as questions emerge over what additions the club should pursue.
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has suggested the club’s priority should be signing a defensive midfielder rather than a winger as the transfer window draws to a close. The Merseyside outfit had to settle for a late point at St James’ Park after spending much of the match on the back foot.
Anthony Elanga broke the deadlock within five minutes, outpacing Milos Kerkez on the counterattack. Cody Gakpo levelled matters shortly after the restart with a long-range strike, before Joe Willock restored the home side’s advantage in similar fashion to Elanga’s earlier effort.
It took until the fifth minute of added time for Dominik Szoboszlai to earn a share of the spoils from the penalty spot, converting after Victor Munoz was felled by Lewis Hall with virtually the final touch of the contest.
With Liverpool’s attacking options restricted by Newcastle’s tactics, former Anfield favourite Sturridge identified a different area requiring attention. During his analysis on Sky Sports, he explained that in his view the squad requires a defensive midfielder. He noted that discussions about such a signing have persisted for several years, though Ryan Gravenberch’s emergence and consistent performances during the title-winning campaign shifted thinking on the matter. However, examining the current midfield personnel reveals all are fundamentally more attack-oriented. Szoboszlai, he suggested, is better suited to a number ten role, possesses a powerful shot, initiates pressing effectively and operates with an offensive mindset particularly in transition situations and defensive transitions.
Sturridge also indicated the club should target a right-sided wide player rather than another option for the left flank. Liverpool remain in negotiations for Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola. The former forward noted that while reports mention left-wing options, Gakpo already fills that position adequately, with Florian Wirtz and Rio Ngumoha also available there. If purchasing a winger, he would favour the right side given existing left-sided alternatives and expressed uncertainty about adding another left-footed attacker.
Barcola, who is 23, predominantly plays on the left, though Sturridge views this as a position of strength for the club. There is speculation the French international could operate on the right, an area depleted following Mohamed Salah’s departure on a free transfer. Any move for Barcola would come at significant cost, with PSG reportedly seeking approximately £145million before the window closes.
Meanwhile, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh has emerged as a potential alternative for the 2026-27 season, offering a more economical option given his ability to play on either wing.