Liverpool explored moves for established midfielders such as Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali after Curtis Jones’ £30m transfer to Inter Milan, but TEAMtalk understands the Reds have ultimately decided to trust teenager Trey Nyoni to fill the gap.
Nyoni’s impressive pre-season has completely changed Liverpool’s plans. The 18-year-old has reportedly convinced new head coach Andoni Iraola that he is ready to step up from academy football and compete for a regular first-team role.
According to TEAMtalk Insider Graeme Bailey, Iraola was initially worried about Liverpool’s midfield depth when Jones’ future became uncertain and wanted the club to explore potential replacements.
“Before pre-season I am told that Andoni Iraola, aware of the Curtis Jones situation, was worried about the depth – one reason he wanted Jones to stay,” Bailey explained.
That concern prompted Liverpool to investigate several alternatives. Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes were among the midfielders considered, although none were deemed suitable options.
Liverpool also looked closely at younger targets including Adam Wharton, Alex Scott and Lamine Camara. However, their hefty valuations — potentially £50m, £60m or even more than £70m — made those deals difficult to justify.
The biggest surprise, however, came from within the squad.
Iraola reportedly ‘blown away’ by Nyoni
Nyoni seized his opportunity during pre-season and has apparently impressed Iraola to such an extent that Liverpool no longer feel compelled to sign another senior midfielder.
Bailey revealed that the club now believes Nyoni is capable of competing alongside Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, with Wataru Endo also providing additional depth.
That represents a significant vote of confidence in the youngster, who is no longer viewed simply as an academy player waiting for occasional opportunities.
Liverpool’s decision not to directly replace Jones is therefore largely down to Nyoni’s rapid development and the belief that he is ready for senior football.
The Reds could still make a midfield signing if the right opportunity becomes available, but their current stance is that the position is sufficiently covered.
Liverpool have previously changed their plans late in a transfer window, so a surprise addition cannot be completely ruled out. For now, though, Nyoni’s emergence has convinced the club that another expensive midfield purchase is unnecessary.
The midfield is expected to revolve around Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch and Nyoni, with Endo offering further cover.
Nyoni’s breakthrough could also allow Liverpool to direct more of their transfer resources towards other priorities, particularly the wide areas.
In short, while Liverpool considered several big-name replacements for Jones, the teenager’s outstanding pre-season has given Iraola and the club enough confidence to promote from within rather than spend heavily on another midfielder.
