Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has named two midfielders his old club could target next summer instead of Jude Bellingham.
The Reds have already concluded their incoming transfer business for the summer. Darwin Nunez, Fabio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay have already been secured, and are likely to be the only new additions in this window.
In terms of the outgoings, some big names have already left Anfield this summer. Divock Origi has departed as a free agent and is on the verge of moving to AC Milan, while Sadio Mane and Takumi Minamino have completed permanent moves to Bayern Munich and Monaco, respectively.
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One topic that has dominated rumours has been Liverpool’s apparent need to sign a new midfielder. Borussia Dortmund star Bellingham is of interest to the Reds, but a move for a new midfielder is thought to be a priority for 2023.
Despite the apparent links with Bellingham, Johnson has named two other players who would be a good fit for Liverpool. The former right-back has named West Ham’s Declan Rice and Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella as ideal midfield signings for his old club.
“Right now I'd go for Declan Rice,” Johnson told GGRecon. “In a couple of year's time, Jordan Henderson could do what Sadio Mane has done and leave, I think that Declan would fit that role perfectly.”
Referring to Barella, Johnson added: “I do think he would be a good addition. To score goals and grab assists isn't easy, despite the fact he hasn't done it in the Premier League.
“When somebody's technically very good and can either score or assist a goal regularly, then you don't expect them to struggle. The more players on the pitch that can help contribute towards a goal is good for the squad.”
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