“Too late in the window” – Lewis Steele provides worrying Liverpool transfer update

“Too late in the window” – Lewis Steele provides worrying Liverpool transfer update Liverpool Midfield Signing Looks Increasingly Unlikely Before Transfer Deadline Liverpool still have plenty to resolve before the transfer window closes, but another midfielder may no longer feature prominently on the club’s agenda. Speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Lewis Steele discussed Liverpool’s current midfield options, the uncertain future of Curtis Jones and whether Andoni Iraola could receive another central midfielder before the deadline. For supporters hoping for another significant addition in the middle of the pitch, Steele’s assessment was cautious. “I do agree that they probably won’t sign anyone if Curtis leaves because it’s just too late in the window,” he said. With Liverpool concentrating heavily on attacking reinforcements, the existing midfield group may therefore be asked to carry much of the responsibility this season. Curtis Jones Exit May Not Trigger Replacement Jones remains one of Liverpool’s unresolved transfer situations. Inter Milan have shown interest during the summer, while Steele believes Jones has failed to make the most of the opportunity presented by Iraola’s arrival. However, even a sale would not necessarily lead Liverpool back into the midfield market. Steele was responding to comments from fellow journalist David Lynch, who had suggested Liverpool could simply increase Trey Nyoni’s involvement if Jones leaves. Steele agreed with the broader assessment. “It’s a tough one, the midfield, because I do agree that they probably won’t sign anyone if Curtis leaves because it’s just too late in the window.” Nyoni’s development during pre season could influence that thinking. Earlier in the conversation Steele had said: “I look at it and think sort of Trey Nyoni’s pushed himself ahead of him in this pre season.” If Liverpool believe Nyoni can absorb some of Jones’ minutes, the need for another arrival becomes less immediate. Adam Wharton Deal Appears Extremely Difficult One midfielder mentioned during the discussion was Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. Steele revealed the scale of the fee Liverpool could potentially encounter at this stage of the window. “I was speaking to someone today who said Palace would want a hundred million to sell Adam Wharton now,” he said. Steele was careful to clarify that Wharton was simply one example being discussed rather than confirmation Liverpool were actively pursuing him. “He’s just one name that I’ve plucked out of thin air, to be honest.” The wider point was clear. Finding a high quality midfielder during the final weeks of the window would be difficult and potentially extremely expensive. “I agree with Lynchy that it’s going to be a quiet summer on the midfield front,” Steele added. Photo: IMAGO Gravenberch and Mac Allister Face Major Season Liverpool’s existing midfield contains players who have previously operated at a high level, although Steele believes questions remain after last season. Alexis Mac Allister has returned to training following his World Cup involvement, while Steele said there currently appears to be little serious movement towards a departure. “At the start of the window, I would have said maybe it could be one that they sell, but there doesn’t seem to be any serious movement in that regard,” Steele explained. “For now, I’d probably rule it out and say, would I expect him to stay.” Steele did acknowledge concerns surrounding Mac Allister’s form. “I do worry that maybe his best days are behind him now,” he said. “Last season was pretty terrible, to be honest.” Ryan Gravenberch also has something to prove. “I sort of take the view that you’re only as good as your last season,” Steele said. “And for me, Gravenberch and McAllister still have a lot to prove.” Both played important roles when Liverpool won the Premier League in 2024/25. Returning to that level could therefore determine whether Iraola’s midfield works without another signing. “If they do, then I think Liverpool are pretty set in midfield,” Steele said. “But if they don’t, then I’ve got serious worries about the solidity of that midfield.” Iraola Faces Midfield Balance Question The expected structure appears to involve Florian Wirtz as the number ten, with two midfielders operating behind him. Dave Davis suggested Dominik Szoboszlai and Gravenberch could form that deeper pair, before questioning whether the combination contains sufficient defensive strength. Steele shares those concerns. “It’s the behind that worries me,” he said when discussing Iraola building Liverpool around Wirtz and Alexander Isak. His biggest question surrounds Gravenberch’s suitability as the deepest midfielder. “Is Gravenberch a true number six that can stop the play in the way that a Fabinho could do or a Kante, Fernandinho sort of profile? Not for me.” Steele believed Liverpool needed that type of addition. “I thought that Liverpool needed to sign that player this summer. They haven’t really.” That leaves Iraola needing to find solutions from the players already available. Steele expects Liverpool’s remaining transfer attention to be directed primarily towards replacing attacking players who have departed, leaving midfield recruitment potentially postponed. “Maybe the next summer is the midfield priority,” he said. For now, Liverpool appear ready to trust Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz and the emerging Nyoni. Whether that is sufficient could become one of the defining questions of Iraola’s first season at Anfield.