There is plenty of uncertainty over Liverpool’s midfield heading into the summer transfer window.
Arne Slot has been relying on the same cast of characters in midfield for the last couple of seasons. And he’s getting diminishing returns from some players in that sector.
The midfield last had a refit back in 2023 – with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo all arriving.
Gravenberch and Mac Allister are well short of their best form – which saw the Anfield club claim the 2024/25 Premier League title.
Factor in a complicated contract scenario for Curtis Jones and you can see why changes in the midfield are being considered by Arne Slot and Richard Hughes.
Liverpool well aware of Sangare at Lens
Anfield Watch has kept you up to date with developments regarding Mamadou Sangare of RC Lens. The 23-year-old has been a consistent presence in the midfield for the surprise Ligue 1 package this season.
The Mali international joined Lens from Rapid Vienna on a bargain £6.9m transfer last summer. His all-action style has yielded three goals and four assists from central midfield so far this term – leading to speculation that he could be on the move.
A £35m package could be enough for the Blood and Gold to consider a sale – and Liverpool right now look set to compete for his signature.
Source says signing like Sangare is essential
A trusted presence on the Merseyside beat – Dominic King – describes a player like Sangare as “essential” for the next phase of Arne Slot’s plans.
“Liverpool’s traditional close scrutiny of Ligue 1 means they will be aware of the well-regarded Mamadou Sangare, a Mali international who plays for Lens,” his report in the Telegraph reads.
“A player in that mould is essential.”
Born in Bamako, Mali, Sangare came through the Red Bull system with Salzburg before embarking on loan spells across Austria and Belgium. He concluded a permanent move to Rapid back in 2024 before striking out for one of Europe’s top five leagues with Lens.
Sangare is under contract until 2030 but it’s only a matter of time before the highly-regarded midfielder ends up at a better club.
