Richard Hughes plots masterstroke Liverpool signing of Serie A star as Wirtz tipped for big-money exit | OneFootball

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes is being tipped to rectify a mistake he made in the summer transfer window by bolstering Arne Slot’s midfield engine room in the January window, with an Italy international reportedly on the club’s radar.

The Reds have been second best when it comes to the midfield battle in a number of games this term, as their disastrous Premier League title defence continues. Indeed, the Reds are currently 10 points behind leaders Arsenal with 16 games played.

Despite spending record amounts on the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz over the summer, Hughes did not see the need to add another midfielder. However, reports from Spain suggest that area of the Liverpool squad could be on the brink of a major boost.

Liverpool target box-to-box Inter star

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister felt the strain during the second half of the title-winning season due to Liverpool’s lack of quality strength in depth in midfield, while an ankle injury suffered by Dominik Szoboszlai at the weekend could end up being a significant blow to the Reds, depending on the severity of the issue.

To that end, Spanish outlet Fichajes claims Liverpool are among four Premier League clubs interested in recruiting Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi.

The 26-year-old is a box-to-box midfielder capable of contributing at both ends, but has struggled for starts under Cristian Chivu. Indeed, the Italy international, who is under contract under 2028, has only started one Serie A game this season in what is viewed in Italy as a real waste of his talent.

The report states: “Davide Frattesi’s name has emerged strongly in the European transfer market.

“Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham are all closely monitoring the Inter Milan midfielder, convinced that his current situation presents a strategic opportunity.

“Liverpool are also considering signing him, aware of the heavy workload placed on Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Gravenberch. Frattesi would provide depth, intensity, and a highly valued tactical alternative at Anfield.”

The 33-cap Italy international joined Inter initially on loan from Sassuolo back in 2023, going on to win the Serie A title and ended up as a Champions League runner-up last season.

However, he’s failed to get off the bench in each of Inter’s last four Serie A matches and could be a decent acquisition for the Reds in January.

Wirtz to Real rumour refusing to go away

Spanish reports are once again stating that Real Madrid are ready to break the bank to bring struggling Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz to The Bernabeu in 2026.

Under-pressure Real chief Xabi Alonso worked with the Germany international during their time together at Bayer Leverkusen and Spanish outlet Defensa Central claims that Wirtz could soon join another former Reds star Trent Alexander-Arnold in Madrid.

The Real Madrid-centric news outlet, which it has to be said is not always the most reliable, states that Liverpool are ready ‘to sell Florian Wirtz to Real Madrid for €110million (£96.4m, $129.5m).

Defensa also notes that Alonso wanted Madrid to sign Wirtz in the summer of 2025 when he became manager of the Spanish giants.

While it’s evident that Wirtz has so far struggled to make an impact at Anfield, our sources indicate that the Premier League club have full faith in the 22-year-old talent.

No goals and just five assists in 21 appearances for the Reds so far this season are not exactly what Liverpool paid for, but that does not mean they are already looking for an exit route for the attacker.

Salah future; 13-club Guehi chase

In other news, David Ornstein claims the Reds have absolutely no intention of letting Mohamed Salah leave Anfield in the January window or indeed next summer.

However, with Salah’s agent reported to be flying in for crisis talks with the club’s top brass, the situation could soon be about to change.

Elsewhere, our sources can reveal that 13 teams are in the mix to sign top Liverpool defensive target Marc Guehi in 2026.

Indeed, we can reveal every club chasing the Crystal Palace man, who missed out on a summer move to Merseyside at the last minute.