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Liverpool have done some excellent business this summer but may still need a few more additions.

Reds fans will have been left more than satisfied by their actions off the pitch but a little disappointed after what they saw on the pitch in their pre-season friendly against AC Milan.

The Italians came away with a 4-2 victory in a game that saw Liverpool rather leaky in defence, with three of Milan’s goals coming on the counter-attack.

This has highlighted a few areas that still need reinforcements and they are also expected to come, although a new midfield target has come out of nowhere.

Many would have thought that Liverpool do not need a new midfielder, but after Saturday’s game where the middle of the park was overrun slightly, perhaps this is a good move to make, especially as he is wanting out of his current club.

Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

The midfield three next season is very likely to be Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz, although rotation will still be needed due to the amount of games they will play.

Gravenberch, especially, will need a rest, as proven last season, and with there only really being Wataru Endo to cover him, a new holding midfielder might be needed.

This is something Liverpool are looking into as well according to Gazetta Dello Sport, with former Aston Villa player Douglas Luiz a player of interest this summer.

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The Brazilian has had a torrid time in Italy with Juventus since moving last summer, with the midfielder barely playing due to injuries and failing to impress his manager.

He is also very keen on a move away and return to the Premier League, with the 27-year-old going AWOL from training in a bid to force a move through.

The report states that Liverpool, as well as Everton and West Ham, are interested in his signature, with Juventus willing to make a loss on him and sell for just €40m (£35m).

The former Manchester City man also possesses an attacking threat and can play slightly higher up, showing his versatility, while also having experience of playing in the division.

A defender and a striker are definitely still needed, but Luiz might turn out to be a rather astute piece of business and act as further cover in the middle of the park.

During his five years at Villa, Luiz firmly established himself as one of the best in his position, with many top clubs looking at signing him, including Man City again.

In fact, at one point he was that good he was being compared with Arsenal’s Declan Rice, with Jermaine Pennant telling talkSPORT that he was actually better than the £105m midfielder.

“Any team would dream to have Rice, but there are better sixes in the Premier League at the moment,” he said back in December 2023.

READ MORE: Arne Slot proved that ‘fantastic’ Liverpool midfielder has no future at the club after AC Milan decision

“I would say Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, I think he can do everything that Rice can do and better.

I think he assists more, he chips in with goals more than Rice.

“Creativity wise he’s better, flair is better, he can put in a tackle just like Rice, break up play just like Rice.

“So I think if someone said to me you can have Douglas Luiz for £60m or Declan Rice for £100m, easy every day of the week, Douglas Luiz.”

With Luiz now even cheaper again, if Pennant is correct, then Liverpool need to make a move quickly, as if the Brazilian is even half as good as Rice is now, then Slot will have a serious player on his hands ahead of their title defence next season.


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