Lewis Steele reveals the truth behind Liverpool’s interest in Premier League midfielder | OneFootball

Liverpool Interest in Yasin Ayari Assessed as Brighton Midfielder Enters Transfer Talk

Liverpool’s midfield search remains one of the more difficult parts of the summer window to read, and on Media Matters for Anfield Index, Dave Davis brought a fresh name into the conversation with Lewis Steele, Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari.

The context is important. Liverpool are assessing midfield options, yet the strongest names have either gone quiet, been played down, or appear complicated. That is where Ayari enters the discussion. He has been linked with both Manchester United and Liverpool, and Davis noted that the Sweden international has “usually done quite well when he’s played at Anfield”.

Ayari Link Comes From Brighton Monitoring

Davis framed the question directly, saying: “Man United and Liverpool are also monitoring Brighton midfielder Yasin Ayari.”

Steele confirmed he had heard something on it, although he was careful with the level of certainty.

“I have, I have, but only by speaking to Tom who wrote that story.”

That line matters because it sets the tone. This does not sound like a Liverpool pursuit at an advanced stage. It sounds more like a name being monitored, discussed and assessed, rather than a move that is actively developing.

Steele Gives Honest View on Player Profile

Steele was complimentary about Ayari’s ability, while keeping the praise measured.

“He is a tidy player.”

He then added:

“He does seem a handy player when I’ve watched him for Brighton.”

There was also a comparison with previous Brighton midfielders, although Steele did not overstate Ayari’s level.

“Maybe not as good as Mac Allister or Caicedo was when they sold them.”

That feels like a useful distinction. Liverpool know the Brighton market well, particularly after signing Alexis Mac Allister, but Ayari is not being discussed here as that kind of ready-made, premium midfield solution.

Photo: IMAGO

Sweden Form May Be Driving Interest

The most revealing part of Steele’s answer came when he questioned where the noise may be coming from.

“I think it may be being pushed slightly from his side rather than any other sides to be honest.”

That is a significant caveat. Transfer windows often contain genuine scouting interest, agent activity and contract positioning, all moving at once. Steele’s point suggests caution is required before treating Ayari as a firm Liverpool target.

He expanded on that thought by referencing Ayari’s international form.

“It does seem like it’s being pushed a bit from the Ayari camp in terms of he’s played well for Sweden.”

Steele then added the possible purpose behind the chatter:

“Let’s drum up some media interest in him and then we’ll get him a new deal or you know whatever.”

Liverpool Move Does Not Sound Close

Based strictly on the conversation between Davis and Steele, there is no indication that a Liverpool move for Yasin Ayari is close. There is interest in the broadest sense, and the player is clearly admired as a “tidy” and “handy” midfielder, but Steele’s comments point more towards monitoring than momentum.

That does not mean the link should be dismissed completely. Liverpool’s midfield picture remains uncertain, and Steele had already noted elsewhere in the podcast that “there’s still two months left of the window”, meaning situations can shift.

For now, though, the Ayari story feels like one to keep in the background rather than push to the front of Liverpool’s transfer priorities. Brighton have developed a strong reputation for midfield recruitment, Ayari has shown enough to attract attention, and Liverpool may well be aware of him.

Yet, on the evidence of this Anfield Index discussion, a move materialising appears far from certain. The strongest reading is that Ayari is being monitored, his camp may be encouraging the conversation, and Liverpool have not yet moved beyond that level.