Liverpool Struggles for Points in Season Opener Against Newcastle
Liverpool kicked off their 2026/27 Premier League season with a disappointing 2-2 draw against Newcastle at St. James’ Park on Sunday. Under the guidance of manager Andoni Iraola, the Reds salvaged a point thanks to a late penalty from Dominik Szoboszlai. The match saw Newcastle take the lead twice through Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock, putting Liverpool on the back foot.
Several pressing issues emerged for the reigning champions, particularly in midfield. Iraola implemented a “double pivot” system, pairing Szoboszlai with Ryan Gravenberch. However, both players struggled to maintain the discipline required for the formation, often getting caught ahead of the ball simultaneously. Gravenberch’s mistakes proved costly, as his errors led directly to two Newcastle goals during counterattacks.
Following the match, fans raised concerns regarding the club’s transfer strategy, questioning the absence of a natural defensive midfielder in the squad. With Curtis Jones sidelined and plans to release Stefan Bajcetic, Liverpool faces a significant gap in their midfield lineup.
Although names like Lamine Camara have surfaced in transfer discussions, club sources indicate that Liverpool has no current plans to sign a midfielder before next week’s transfer deadline. Instead, the focus appears to be on acquiring two new wingers, despite the pressing needs in midfield.
A report by James Pearce in the Athletic highlights the club’s strategy, suggesting there is no intention to replace Jones. The club believes that teenager Trey Nyoni is poised to take on a larger role this season. Consequently, Liverpool aims to strengthen its attacking options, with Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh identified as potential targets. Barcola, 23, is on the verge of leaving Paris Saint-Germain, while Liverpool is nearing Brighton’s £70 million asking price for the 22-year-old Minteh.
Liverpool got their 2026/27 Premier League season off to an indifferent start.
Andoni Iraola oversaw a 2-2 draw against Newcastle on Sunday at St. James’ Park. A late Dominik Szoboszlai penalty rescued a point for the Basque tactico – after Newcastle twice led through Anthony Elanga and Joe Willock.
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There were several glaring issues for the 2024/25 Premier League champions. The most profound issue lies in midfield. Iraola opted for the “double pivot” – using Szoboszlai in tandem alongside Ryan Gravenberch.
Big changes needed in Liverpool midfield
But it is clear on this evidence that Iraola has got a job on his hands sorting out this midfield. Neither Szoboszlai nor Gravenberch demonstrated the appropriate discipline to play in a midfield two – often getting caught ahead of the ball at the same time.
Gravenberch even gave the ball away for two Newcastle goals – his errors in possession allowing the Geordies to gallop clear on counters.
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The draw had plenty of Liverpool fans querying the club’s transfer business in the aftermath with Iraola seemingly crying out for a natural defensive midfielder.
Liverpool crying out for a new midfield option
Having lost Curtis Jones – and with the club also set to release Stefan Bajcetic – there is a glaring hole in the Reds’ squad at No6.
Plenty of names have been linked – including Lamine Camara among others – but so far no deal has been done. A report from James Pearce in the Athletic is now confirming the plans of Richard Hughes and Iraola based on the evidence provided on Sunday.
There is no intention for Liverpool to sign a midfielder before the transfer deadline next week. Instead the plan remains signing a new pair of wingers.
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Richard Hughes has got no plans to sign a new midfielder
“Despite the clamour for midfield reinforcements, which intensified after Sunday’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Newcastle, senior club sources say Liverpool’s focus remains on bolstering their attacking options out wide,” the report reads.
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“They don’t intend to replace Jones, as they see teenager Trey Nyoni as ready to step up and play a bigger part this season. Unless there’s a change of stance, it’s only the forward line which will be strengthened.”
Instead of looking for a midfielder Liverpool will press on with their plans to sign a couple of wide forwards. Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh are the names in the frame.
Barcola, 23, is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain while Liverpool are seemingly moving closer to matching Brighton’s £70m valuation of 22-year-old Minteh.
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