Liverpool declined the opportunity to add a midfielder to the ranks last summer.
Richard Hughes spent £450m on new talent – including two British record deals for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak. But the sporting director opted to stick with the tried and tested formula in the middle third.
A lot was asked from Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo during the Premier League title-winning campaign.
And the strain has already begun to tell this term – with all but Szoboszlai suffering some form of injury discomfort.
Liverpool tipped for surprise move for Camavinga
Neglecting to add a midfielder is now looking erroneous in hindsight – and that’s why the club have been tipped to complete a deal for a player in that position.
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We could see the Reds move for a new midfielder in January – and Tuesday’s Champions League opponents Real Madrid could have the player in question.
Eduardo Camavinga has found himself out of favour at the Bernabeu since Xabi Alonso was installed as head coach. The 22-year-old has slipped down the pecking order – as Alonso prefers Aurelien Tchouameni and Fede Valverde in the middle where possible.
Even in his auxiliary position at left-back, the French international has been short of games owing to the presence of Alvaro Carreras.
Real Madrid would settle for €80m Camavinga deal
No doubt the Rennes academy graduate will be growing frustrated at his long-term prospects in the Spanish capital. And according to a new report in Fichajes, Liverpool are ready to offer an initial €60m to end his Madrid misery.
“The French midfielder could be involved in one of the most surprising moves of the upcoming transfer window,” the report reads.
“Liverpool have reignited their interest in the Real Madrid player, taking advantage of his diminished role since Xabi Alonso took over as manager from Carlo Ancelotti.
“The English club is preparing an initial offer of around €60 million. At the moment, Real Madrid has no intention of selling, although the board is open to listening to offers if the figure is attractive enough.
“The figure of 60 million would serve as a starting point, but Real Madrid could demand something closer to 80 million.
“In any case, Liverpool is confident that the player’s desire for more playing time could work in their favor.”
Signed in 2021 from Rennes, Camavinga is under contract at the Bernabeu until 2029.
Camavinga is a progressive passer who could at once cover for Gravenberch while also providing an upgrade on the underperforming Mac Allister.
And if Slot needed it, he could also come in at left-back as an alternative to Milos Kerkez or Andy Robertson.
