Liverpool 'WON'T sign a 3rd midfielder this summer unless a current star leaves'

Liverpool are reportedly unlikely to bring in another midfielder this summer after signing both Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.

After a tricky season on the pitch last year that threatened to implode at points, it has been well-publicised by Jurgen Klopp about the need to strengthen and refresh the squad ahead of next season.

The Reds confirmed the signing of Brighton star Mac Allister on June 8 after triggering his £35m release clause, while Szoboszlai's move from RB Leipzig was announced on Sunday after they activated his £60m clause.

It was expected their midfield recruitment was not done - especially with reported interest in Thiago from Saudi Arabia -  but, according to The Athletic, the club intends to wait and take stock to contemplate their next piece of business and are unlikely to bring in a third midfielder unless one of their current crop does depart.

The report goes onto state Klopp was keen to bring in two midfielders who could fill several different roles, thereby injecting energy and creativity into a position that needed refreshing.

After the 2022-23 campaign, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departed Anfield as free agents.

Mail Sport previously reported last month how the amount of midfielders the club signed this summer would be related to the cost of potential deals.

It must be noted that despite Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Milner all leaving the club, Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain only started seven league games between them in 2022-23 meaning the Reds didn't feel it was necessary to replace them for the sake of it.

Klopp's aim to bring in two top quality young additions has been achieved through the signings of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai at a combined cost of £95m, all before pre-season gets underway on Saturday.

The Reds had also been linked with Khephren Thuram, Manu Kone, Gabri Veiga, Ryan Gravenberch and Romeo Lavia, but it now seems they won't sign any one of these midfielders.

Thuram - who received rave reviews for his performances for Nice last year - is no longer a target after the Reds decided Szoboszlai's experience, ability and versatility made him a better option.

The midfielders who are set to be at the club for next season include Thiago, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Stefan Bajcetic, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Tyler Morton - who returns after a productive loan spell with Blackburn.

Elsewhere, they may yet move for a young centre back who can provide high-quality back-up to both Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.

Konate has impressed during his two seasons at the club since joining from RB Leipzig but has also struggled with injury, making only 53 appearances.