An emerging midfield talent has shown he is ready to join Liverpool and be the next Fabinho at Anfile.d
Sporting director Richard Hughes is expected to make midfield reinforcements a top priority in the upcoming transfer window.
Anfield Watch understands the club has already compiled an ambitious shortlist of midfield targets, with numerous names currently under consideration.
This early groundwork is a typical Liverpool approach, they like to get their business done early and the list is expected to be refined in the coming weeks as Hughes and his recruitment team narrow their focus ahead of the summer window.
One of the reasons why the midfield is such a priority is because there is such uncertainty surrounding key players. Contract negotiations with Alexis Mac Allister have reportedly stalled, while Curtis Jones is approaching the final year of his current deal. These situations leave Liverpool facing the real possibility of departures in a crucial area of the pitch.
As a result, the club is likely to pursue at least two midfield additions, with the number potentially increasing if both players move on. Ensuring depth, quality, and long-term stability in midfield will be central to Liverpool’s broader squad-building strategy as they continue to evolve.
In terms of the blueprint of who Liverpool should be looking to sign – it's Fabinho.
The Brazilian was one of the most influential figures in the club's modern success, anchoring the midfield with intelligence, composure, and relentless defensive work.
At his peak, he brought a sense of control that allowed the rest of the team to flourish. Whether it was breaking up opposition attacks, reading danger before it developed, or stepping in to win crucial duels, Fabinho made the role look effortless.
His positional awareness was arguably his greatest strength. He seemed to always be in the right place at the right time, shielding the back line and cutting passing lanes with precision. In one-on-one battles, he was dominant – using his reach and timing to regain possession and immediately reset Liverpool’s rhythm.
That ability to control the middle of the pitch was a cornerstone of the side under Jurgen Klopp.
Since his departure in 2023, Liverpool have struggled to truly replace him.
While new midfield additions have brought energy and technical quality, none have replicated Fabinho’s unique blend of defensive discipline and authority, his absence is still felt today.
Let's be honest it was a genius decision by Michael Edwards to bring Fabinho to the club from AS Monaco. The French league is an excellent division and in order to bolster their midfield ranks, the club's recruitment team could turn across the channel once again.
This time though, Edwards should be looking at RC Lens where a midfielder who could be Liverpool's 'next Fabinho' just confirmed he's ready to join the Reds.
Mamadou Sangare hahs been the ultimate midfielder in Europe's top five leagues this season. He has won the most possessions (186) in Ligue 1 this season and the most ground duels (149) among midfielders.
The 23-year-old Malian is simply an outstanding midfielder and while he is more robust and energetic compared to the poise and composure of Fabinho, he's still an ideal fit for Liverpool.
Sangare confirmed that on Saturday with a brilliant performance against Nice, winning seven out of nine duels, four tackles, three interceptions and making eight recoveries.
That's the kind of midfielder Liverpool need. Someone who can do the dirty work and win possession over and over again.
