Liverpool look set to miss out on another midfield possibility, with Brentford reportedly closing in on a deal to sign RC Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare in what could become a record transfer for the Bees.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Brentford have reached a verbal agreement with Lens for the 24-year-old midfielder. Sangare is expected to undergo his medical on Friday before completing the move, with the transfer believed to be worth around £41 million.
Although Liverpool were not heavily linked with Sangare during the current transfer window, previous reports indicated that the Reds were aware of his abilities as they continue searching for a long-term solution in the holding midfield position.
Brentford Edge Ahead of the Competition
Brentford have acted decisively to secure Sangare, with Romano reporting that the deal has now reached its final stages.
If completed, the transfer would rank among the most expensive in Brentford’s history and underline the club’s increasing ambition in the Premier League.
From Liverpool’s perspective, Sangare’s impending move is another example of highly-rated midfielders being taken off the market while the Reds assess their own transfer priorities.
Liverpool Still Focused on Bradley Barcola
Liverpool’s major focus currently appears to be their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola.
With discussions reportedly continuing, the outcome of that deal could have a significant impact on how much of Liverpool’s remaining transfer budget is available for other positions.
That could explain why the club may be holding back on further midfield recruitment until there is greater certainty over their overall spending.
Trey Nyoni Could Provide an Internal Solution
While supporters continue to push for the arrival of an established defensive midfielder, Liverpool may already have a promising option within their squad in the form of teenager Trey Nyoni.
The youngster has caught the eye during pre-season, delivering composed performances and showing remarkable maturity in the middle of the pitch.
Against Sunderland, Nyoni completed 42 of his 49 passes, created three chances, produced one big chance and made five recoveries while winning three ground duels.
He was equally impressive against Wrexham, completing 59 of 63 passes, making five recoveries and repeatedly helping Liverpool move the ball forward.
New head coach Andoni Iraola has also spoken positively about Nyoni’s football intelligence and his ability to understand situations on the pitch, potentially opening the door to a more significant role for the teenager during the 2026/27 season.
Do Liverpool Still Need a Defensive Midfielder?
Despite Nyoni’s encouraging development, there remains a strong argument that Liverpool would benefit from adding an experienced defensive midfielder, particularly with the need for greater protection in front of the defence.
Missing out on Sangare may not represent a major setback, especially given that Liverpool were never believed to be seriously pursuing the midfielder.
However, with the transfer window moving into its final weeks, Liverpool will need to decide whether to continue searching for an experienced No. 6 or place greater faith in Nyoni’s development.
For now, Brentford appear to be on course to secure one of Ligue 1’s highly-rated midfielders, while Liverpool continue to consider their options and prioritise their remaining transfer targets.
