Andoni Iraola eyes fresh move for €100m midfielder

Liverpool's midfield has been the talk of the town for the last couple of transfer windows.

Ever since Fabinho exited Anfield in 2023, the Reds have needed a new defensive midfielder.

Arne Slot may have thought that he found one in Ryan Gravenberch after his stellar performances in the 2023-24 season but, last term proved that the Dutchman was not cut out to be Liverpool's number six.

This season has been much of the same with his inability to win duels and defend becoming a major problem.

So, with this in mind, it's hardly a surprise to see midfielders being the players that Liverpool are mostly linked with.

Liverpool are eyeing a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios

Over the summer, many different central midfielders were linked with Liverpool.

Lamine Camara and Alex Scott were probably the two most-linked players but, since neither of those moves came to fruition, the Reds still have a gap that they need to plug among their ranks.

Since the summer window slammed shut, many different players have been discussed as potential options such as Marc Bernal.

However, since he's only 19 years old, making him Liverpool's main number six would obviously be a lot of pressure to put on his shoulders.

So, the fact that 442 have shared a new potential target for the Reds to explore is rather exciting.

"According to information from 4-4-2.ch, Barrios is already a topic of discussion at Paris St. Germain for the January transfer window: Coach Luis Enrique thinks highly of Barrios and particularly likes his dynamism and energy," they wrote.

"Chelsea also have the midfielder in their sights. The Blues are even preparing a €100 million offer. Arsenal and Liverpool are also being monitored by other Premier League clubs.

"In fact, Atlético, where Barrios is under contract until 2030, have not yet received any inquiries. His release clause is €500 million. Ultimately, however, €100 to €110 million could be sufficient."

Pablo Barrios would be a good signing but €100m + is excessive

It's been clear for a while now that Liverpool are in desperate need of a new number six.

The fact that they've had multiple bids rejected for players over the last few years also proves that.

But, no matter how desperate they are, spending over €100 million on the Spaniard would be a huge overpayment.

Indeed, Atletico Madrid may see the 23-year-old as their next Marcos Llorente but, for less money than that, the Reds could probably agree a deal for Scott or Adam Wharton.

On paper, they may all seem like similar players but, the fact that both Wharton and Scott are homegrown makes them much more valuable to the Reds, especially with the way their current squad is heading.

At the moment, it's anyone's guess what could happen but, as long as the Reds don't end up splurging another €100 million on a non-homegrown player, they can't go too far wrong.