James Pearce confirms midfielder transfer decision after Newcastle debacle

Liverpool got their 2026/27 Premier League season off to an indifferent start.

Andoni Iraola oversaw a 2-2 draw against Newcastle on Sunday at St. James’ Park. A late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty rescued a point for the Basque tactico - after Newcastle twice led through Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock.

There were several glaring issues for the 2024/25 Premier League champions. The most profound issue lies in midfield. Iraola opted for the “double pivot” - using Szoboszlai in tandem alongside Ryan Gravenberch.

Big changes needed in Liverpool midfield

But it is clear on this evidence that Iraola has got a job on his hands sorting out this midfield. Neither Szoboszlai nor Gravenberch demonstrated the appropriate discipline to play in a midfield two - often getting caught ahead of the ball at the same time.

Gravenberch even gave the ball away for two Newcastle goals - his errors in possession allowing the Geordies to gallop clear on counters.

The draw had plenty of Liverpool fans querying the club’s transfer business in the aftermath with Iraola seemingly crying out for a natural defensive midfielder.

Liverpool crying out for a new midfield option

Having lost Curtis Jones - and with the club also set to release Stefan Bajcetic - there is a glaring hole in the Reds’ squad at No6.

Plenty of names have been linked - including Lamine Camara among others - but so far no deal has been done. A report from James Pearce in the Athletic is now confirming the plans of Richard Hughes and Iraola based on the evidence provided on Sunday.

There is no intention for Liverpool to sign a midfielder before the transfer deadline next week. Instead the plan remains signing a new pair of wingers.

Richard Hughes has got no plans to sign a new midfielder

“Despite the clamour for midfield reinforcements, which intensified after Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Newcastle, senior club sources say Liverpool’s focus remains on bolstering their attacking options out wide,” the report reads.

“They don’t intend to replace Jones, as they see teenager Trey Nyoni as ready to step up and play a bigger part this season. Unless there’s a change of stance, it’s only the forward line which will be strengthened.”

Instead of looking for a midfielder Liverpool will press on with their plans to sign a couple of wide forwards. Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh are the names in the frame.

Barcola, 23, is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain while Liverpool are seemingly moving closer to matching Brighton’s £70m valuation of 22-year-old Minteh.