Liverpool have moved one step closer to signing their dream midfielder.
Anfield Watch understands that as well as focusing on bringing in new wingers, Richard Hughes will prioritise midfield reinforcements in the upcoming summer transfer window, especially with uncertainty surrounding several key players.
Curtis Jones could be among those departing, as he approaches the final year of his contract without a clear agreement in place over an extension. His situation increases the urgency for the club to evaluate both its current midfield options and long-term strategy.
Meanwhile, there are still unresolved questions about the futures of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, who are both under contract until the end of the 2027/28 season.
Their cases, however, are developing differently. Szoboszlai is making positive progress in talks with the club, and there is a mutual desire to reach an agreement. It is believed and expected that he will sign a new deal.
On the other hand, discussions with Mac Allister have slowed, raising concerns about his longer-term commitment.
External interest is adding another layer of complexity. Mac Allister is being monitored by Manchester United and Real Madrid, and Liverpool would be open to a sale.
Given that there is a possibility Liverpool could lose both Curtis Jones and Alexis Mac Allister, Hughes will have to add at least one if not two new midfielders to Arne Slot's squad.
Depending on how the summer unfolds, there is a strong belief in some Liverpool circles that Trey Nyoni is ready to make the step-up.
If things go as planned, Liverpool want to bring in one experienced and one younger midfielder.
High up on the club's shortlist is Caleb Yirenkyi.
Yirenkyi plays for FC Nordsjaelland and he only turned 20-years-old last month but already has over 40 appearances for the Danish club that has an impressive track-record of producing elite talent who have gone onto do well in Europe's top five leagues.
The young midfielder is the latest talent who came through the Right to Dream Academy, which is one of the leading institutions of its kind in Africa.
Liverpool particularly like the fact that Yirenkyi is versatile and could play in a number of different roles. As well as being able to play as an advanced midfielder, he can play the holding midfield role. Meanwhile, he also plays as a full-back and as a centre-back at times when he is called upon.
There are a host of clubs lining up for his services but Anfield Watch can reveal that Liverpool have moved one step closer to getting their man.
It is understood, Yirenkyi has narrowed his options down to just four clubs.
Bournemouth, Brentford Brighton and Liverpool.
Yirenkyi is believed to be a boyhood fan of the Reds and it is understood that he believes in the long-term project Liverpool envisage for the youngster.
A key factor will be how much playing time the Reds can guarantee him. Yirenkyi is advised by Michael Essien, and it's believed they will prioritise game time when it comes to making their final decision.
© IMAGO – Caleb Yirenkyi Liverpool
Nordsjaelland typically play with a midfield three. In this system, Yirenkyi has been deployed both as the right-sided midfielder in a more box-to-box or no.8 role as well as the deepest midfielder as more of a holding player.
He completes 92.3% of his 61 passes per 90 minutes in the Danish Superliga. He also averages 7.5 passes into the final third, and 1.33 passes into the opposition's penalty area. Both are a decent volume, so he's not making safe and simple passes.
What stands out about Yirenkyi when you watch him play is that when his team is on the ball and he's not in possession, he's constantly scanning.
Watch him play and he's head moves like an owl as he assess the picture and play around him. That's the sign of a high IQ player, and it's why he also does really well under pressure.
When Yirenkyi gets the ball, he has usually already made a split-second decision with the knowledge of what's around him, and he is able to beat the press with either a pass or a clever piece of movement.
