Liverpool could still sign £38m midfielder next year in transfer twist

Liverpool are still optimistic about signing Matheus Nunes next summer, despite him joining Wolves this week.

The Reds had reportedly been chasing the midfielder for the duration of this window, but the club were unwilling to pull the trigger on a £38 million deal, and the Portugal international ultimately ended up joining Bruno Lage's side.

It’s understood that the 23-year-old had his heart set on a move to Anfield and initially rejected the West Midlands club, but due to Liverpool’s lack of movement for him, the midfielder eventually agreed to join Wolves.

He was said to be desperate to play in the Premier League.

According to the Telegraph, Liverpool are “huge admirers” of the former Sporting Lisbon man Jurgen Klopp would still like to add Nunes to his squad.

The Merseyside club could move for him next summer after he’s had a season to acclimatise to English football.

Liverpool are currently going through something of a midfielder crisis.

Thiago has been ruled out for several weeks and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is continuing to struggle with injuries.

Naby Keita is reportedly unhappy with his position at the club, while youngsters Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho remain inexperienced at Premier League level. 

While there is a clear strategy to focus on long-term targets next summer in Nunes and Jude Bellingham, there may be more immediate attention to this department required if Liverpool are to keep pace with rivals Manchester City this season.

Klopp’s team travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Monday night, as they look to bounce back from their disappointing opening two fixtures where they were held by Fulham and Crystal Palace.