According to British media reports, former Liverpool player Sturridge questioned the team's transfer dealings, believing there were obvious gaps in midfield.
Former Liverpool player Daniel Sturridge questioned why the club did not pursue midfielder Mamadou Sangare, who joined Brentford for a relatively modest transfer fee. Following the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season, Liverpool’s current squad structure exposed serious problems. This summer, Liverpool changed managers, with Andoni Iraola replacing Arne Slot, but in their opening away match against Newcastle, the team was still plagued by many familiar issues.
The match at St James' Park saw Liverpool concede just minutes after kick-off following a counter-attack. Gravenberch lost the ball just outside the Newcastle box, and the home team quickly transitioned from defence to attack, breaking directly through Liverpool's defence, with Anthony Elanga ultimately scoring. Soon after the second half began, Gakpo equalised for Liverpool, but Newcastle quickly regained the lead. Iraola's team once again exposed Liverpool's vulnerabilities in transition, this time with substitute Joe Willock scoring.
In injury time, Liverpool avoided defeat thanks to a favourable penalty decision. Harvey Elliott was fouled in the box by Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, and Dominik Szoboszlai calmly converted the spot-kick. But in Sturridge's view, the result could not mask the problems. The former Liverpool player said the lack of control in midfield was the most concerning aspect and questioned why the club had allowed suitable candidates to join other teams for reasonable transfer fees.
Sturridge said on Sky Sports' post-match show: "I personally think the team needs a defensive midfielder. For the past three years, we've been talking about Liverpool needing a defensive midfielder. Then Gravenberch joined, helped the team win the league, and the thinking around the team changed."
"However, if you analyze the midfield configuration carefully, you'll find they are all naturally more attack-minded. For example, Brentford signed Mamadou Sangare."
"The statistics are very striking. He ranks third in interceptions, third in tackles, and third in ball recoveries. In my opinion, a transfer fee of £39 million—about $52 million—is not excessive for a club like Liverpool."
"I'm not saying he's necessarily the answer, but these statistics are very telling. Liverpool don't currently have this type of player. I really like Trey Nyoni, but he's more of a ball-playing No. 8."
"He's not a holding midfielder capable of pressing opponents like Sangare or serving as a deterrent, as N'Golo Kante has done over the years. Honestly, I also think Szoboszlai is better suited to playing as a No. 10."
Despite Curtis Jones leaving to join Inter, Liverpool did not appear to prioritize strengthening their midfield during the final week of the transfer window. Instead, the club seemed more eager to reinforce its attack, with wingers such as Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Yankuba Minteh linked with a move to Anfield.
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