Liverpool's Midfield Strategy: Betting on Youth with Nyoni
Liverpool are trimming their midfield again – and this time, they are doing it without bringing anyone in.
Curtis Jones has already gone, sold to Inter Milan in a deal worth up to £30 million. Now another midfielder is heading for the exit, even as the club doubles down on a bold internal solution rather than dipping into the market.
Faith in Nyoni, not the market
For all the noise around Liverpool’s midfield, there is only one natural defensive shield in the squad: Wataru Endo. The 31-year-old, though, is clearly not viewed as a first-choice starter ahead of Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai or Alexis Mac Allister.
The Jones sale seemed to open the door for a specialist holding midfielder to arrive. The structure of the squad almost demanded it. Instead, Liverpool have gone the other way.
Club insider Graeme Bailey revealed earlier in the week that Liverpool had decided against signing another central midfielder. That stance has now been reinforced by The Athletic’s Liverpool reporter James Pearce, who reports that the decision is firm.
Pearce wrote that despite calls for reinforcements – which only grew louder after the dramatic 2-2 draw with Newcastle – senior figures at Anfield are prioritising wide attacking options, not the middle of the pitch. The club do not intend to replace Jones. They see teenager Trey Nyoni as ready to step up and play a bigger role this season.
That choice reshapes the pecking order. Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Mac Allister will contest the two starting roles. Nyoni is now considered fourth in line. Endo, once the only recognised defensive option, effectively becomes fifth-choice cover.
It is a clear statement. Liverpool are betting on youth, versatility and internal development rather than another big outlay in midfield.
Bajcetic set for Celta return
All of which makes the next move even more striking.
With no new midfielder planned, Liverpool are still prepared to let another one go. Stefan Bajcetic, one of the few genuine defensive-minded players in the squad, is poised to leave.
Injuries have wrecked the Spaniard’s rhythm since his breakthrough, stalling what once looked like a rapid rise. Now, with just a year left on his contract, Liverpool are ready to cut ties.
Trusted reporter Matteo Moretto reports that Bajcetic will return to former club Celta Vigo in a permanent transfer. A club-to-club agreement is already in place. The fee is only nominal, but Liverpool have secured a sell-on clause, a key part of the deal that could pay off handsomely if Bajcetic rebuilds his career in La Liga.
Fabrizio Romano has added that Celta and Bajcetic are close to agreeing personal terms, clearing the final hurdle before the move is completed.
So Liverpool head into the season with one senior defensive midfielder, a promoted teenager, and a high-risk, high-upside plan in the most scrutinised area of their squad. If Nyoni delivers and Endo holds the fort, it will look like brave, clear-eyed planning.
If not, the decision to let both Jones and Bajcetic walk without a replacement will be questioned every time the midfield comes under fire.
