Liverpool fans have been left frustrated by news that Matheus Nunes, who was a target for the club, is set to join Wolves.
The midfielder has been a major part of Sporting Lisbon's success in recent years, helping them claim league and cup success in Portugal. His rise to prominence had seen him linked with a move to a major European power, but none have come in and a switch to Molineux is edging closer.
Wolves have exercised the Portuguese market effectively since their takeover several years ago and are due to spend a club-record fee of £38million plus add-ons on Nunes. He will partner the likes of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho in the middle of the park, whereas Liverpool appear unlikely to make any more midfield additions this summer.
The Reds have long had a clear strategy in the market that they've refused to veer from. Nunes' fee may have been more than Anfield bosses want to spend and Klopp has repeatedly insisted he is happy with his options. Nevertheless, midfield has been cited as an issue for the club, who have drawn both of their Premier League games this season, and fans are continuing to clamour for recruitment in the centre of the park.
"We are doomed for not signing a midfielder," one wrote on Twitter. Another social media user feared the failure to sign a midfielder this summer could result in a seventh-place finish, adding: "The best achievement Liverpool can get this season is making it to Conference league. Mark my words."
Liverpool's decision not to pursue a move for Nunes is partly influenced by their desire to continue giving minutes to their blossoming stars. Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Fabio Carvalho are all under the age of 22. The latter pair have both been signed from Fulham in recent seasons.
In particular, Elliott appears to be a Klopp favourite and his development last term was hampered by a lengthy period on the sidelines following an injury he sustained at Leeds. Liverpool are also very much among those tracking Jude Bellingham's situation at Borussia Dortmund.
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There is an expectation that the midfielder will eventually return to England and the Reds want him to move to Anfield, but accept he will not be coming on the cheap. Jamie Carragher has called on his former club to make signings if they can - but only if the right opportunity presents itself.
He said on Sky Sports : "Liverpool's first-choice midfield - and the one that played at Fulham - is getting towards the 30-age mark. "You think a younger and more energetic player at some stage is needed, they've got those players there in reserve but they're all injured. I would only want Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool to do that if they get the midfielder they want.
"Liverpool's success in the transfer market has been down to not panicking, it's not what they've done in the past, it's not what they're doing now and it can't be what they do in the future. If there's no midfielder they want out there, don't get him. But if they feel there's one who has that quality and is available, I would like them to do it of course. But don't panic."
