Andoni Iraola took charge in June after Liverpool dismissed Arne Slot, and the opening months of 2026/27 have justified the decision. Liverpool transfer news this winter will centre on refinement rather than repair, because the new head coach has built an aggressive side that has lost only once, a 3-0 defeat by Manchester City.

Brighton (2-0), Bournemouth (1-0) and Brentford (2-1) all lost to them, while the Champions League has brought a 2-1 win over Atlético Madrid at Anfield and a 6-3 victory at LASK. Iraola has installed his aggressive press, and although the pressing numbers sit short of his preferred tempo, the defence has tightened noticeably, with an expected goals against average of 1.22.

Alexis Mac Allister anchors the midfield as deep playmaker and pressing trigger, scores Champions League goals and has contract extension talks under way. Dominik Szoboszlai provides the running, discipline and box-to-box energy that the press demands. Behind them, though, Liverpool have no naturally destructive, mobile defensive midfielder who can also cover wide for counter-pressing traps.

The summer did little to solve that. Liverpool’s main addition was Jeremy Jacquet, the 21-year-old centre-back from Rennes, who has helped with ball progression, but they signed no specialist defensive midfielder, which left a gap in the pivot.

Liverpool transfer news: Sunderland midfielder on the radar

According to Hooligan Soccer, published by CaughtOffside, Liverpool are monitoring Sunderland’s 21-year-old midfielder Noah Sadiki before January. The DR Congo international, who also plays right-back, has become important for the Black Cats, and would add energy, defensive quality and ball progression.

Newcastle United, Chelsea, Manchester United, Juventus, Napoli and Atlético Madrid also want him. Sunderland, whose summer signings Jules Ahoka (about £9m from Royal Antwerp) and Thomas Meunier (free) protect their depth, will demand roughly £48m to £52m, plus bonuses and a sell-on clause, because his contract runs to 2030.

Sadiki suits Iraola’s 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2 hybrid press, because his ground coverage lets the double pivot shift sideways while full-backs push up, and he can tuck inside from right-back in build-up. Yet his bookings and a red card show his rashness under pressure, and his passing lacks the line-breaking volume Iraola demands.

Should Liverpool pay £50m for Sadiki in January?

No. Liverpool need a defensive midfielder, but £50m, inflated by his contract and Premier League premium, buys a project, not an upgrade, for a player with few top-flight appearances. They should monitor his discipline, revisit him if Sunderland face relegation or financial pressure, and sign a proven European alternative in January.