Our Liverpool fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping to see a strong defensive-midfielder come to Anfield in the summer in order to truly round out Jurgen Klopp’s top-heavy squad ahead of a potential title tilt. 

However good Klopp’s team are at going forward, many of the punters believe one of the things missing is a midfield anchor to keep the team balanced and protect the back four, with neither Jordan Henderson nor Emre Can really cutting the mustard.

Klopp needs to recruit players in certain areas still in the summer, but a midfield monster must be at the top of his priority list. If Liverpool harbour any kind of ambition to challenge for the Premier League next season, then looking around Europe for a lynchpin is essential to that.

Our local Liverpudlians in the bar will surely be hoping that next year is their year and that Klopp’s reign doesn’t go without lifting any silverware, which some would deem as a flop. With that mind, our landlord is here to help Klopp out with his own shortlist of monster midfielders that would revolutionise the Reds…

Jean Eudes Aholou

The Ivory Coast defensive midfielder is currently playing for Strasbourg in the French League and is an essential part of the team. His high concentration levels and ability to intercept play have made Aholou one of Europe’s best on paper. Indeed, the idea of him recovering possession straight away before launching a counter is a very exciting one.

Liverpool could get a bargain of a player with him only rated at £2.7m on Transfermarkt and, being only 23-years-old, he could have a fantastic time ahead of him in the red of Liverpool.

Oriol Romeu

The Southampton midfielder is a player that surely Liverpool would have looked at, being in the same league and their history with the Saints’ players. Oriol Romeu is one of the Premier League’s best for tackling and again has that important high concentration level needed, having come through the ranks at Barcelona of all places.

The Spanish star is rated at £10.8m and Liverpool could opt for a player that has the experience of English football already behind him.