Liverpool are being linked with a transfer move for a £43m Sporting Lisbon midfielder who impressed Pep Guardiola.

Although it is not anticipated that Liverpool would sign another midfielder during this transfer window, it is widely acknowledged that the pitch’s center will be a priority in the coming offseason.

Aurélien Tchouaméni’s ultimately unsuccessful move, which Liverpool did not fully pursue after the former AS Monaco player made it clear he wanted to move to Real Madrid, demonstrated that the Reds were prepared to spend significantly on a player in that position in one of the upcoming two transfer windows.

Although Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham are different types of players, Liverpool is aware that they must quickly increase that area’s population in order to lower the average age and get ready for the future.

Guardiola and Man City

When their contracts expire next summer, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner may potentially become free agents. There may need to be more than one midfielder recruited the following year, depending on Curtis Jones’ development and Fábio Carvalho’s long-term potential (he could end up as a midfield option, a forward option, or both).

This makes discussion of connections with midfielder Matheus Nunes of Sporting Lisbon intriguing. According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Liverpool has joined Chelsea and Manchester City in the competition to recruit the Brazil-born Portugal international.

Although Sporting are apparently willing to let Nunes leave for €50m (£43m) this summer, Nunes’ contract is thought to feature a €60m (£50m) release clause. This has caused a number of potential suitors to approach the negotiation table

Along with Manchester City, Wolves, Everton, and Newcastle United have all been mentioned, but it’s believed that Nunez will hold out on signing until a bigger team than those three comes along because of his obvious quality and ability to play in the Champions League.

Liverpool is anticipated to hold off on making another significant acquisition until Bellingham becomes available in the following season, but Nunes is a very impressive player who checks off several important boxes, including tackling, interceptions, press resistance, and the ability to advance the ball through passing and dribbling.

After his team faced Sporting in the Champions League group stage last year, Pep Guardiola had a succinct but enthusiastic assessment.

The Manchester City manager claimed that Matheus Nunes is one of the best players in the world right now, but it must be emphasized that he still spent big money this transfer window to recruit Kalvin Phillips from Leeds United.