According to English media reports, former Liverpool player Sturridge has questioned the club's transfer strategy, believing there is a clear gap in midfield.

Former Liverpool player Daniel Sturridge has questioned why the club did not recruit midfielder Mamadou Sangare this summer, who joined Brentford at a relatively modest transfer fee. Following the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season, Liverpool's current squad structure reveals serious issues. Liverpool changed managers this summer, with Andoni Iraola replacing Arne Slot, but in their opening away match against Newcastle United, the team still displayed many familiar problems.

The match was played at St. James' Park, and Liverpool conceded just minutes after kick-off from a counterattack. Gravenberch lost the ball just outside Newcastle's penalty box, and the hosts quickly transitioned from defence to attack, piercing Liverpool's defence to score through Anthony Elanga. Shortly after the second half began, Gakpo equalized for Liverpool, but Newcastle quickly retook the lead. Iraola's side again showed vulnerability in transition, with substitute Joseph Willock scoring this time.

In extra time, Liverpool avoided defeat thanks to a favourable penalty decision. Harvey Elliott was fouled in the penalty area by Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall, and Dominik Szoboszlai calmly converted the penalty. However, according to Sturridge, this result cannot mask the underlying issues. The former Liverpool player highlighted that the lack of control in midfield is the most worrying aspect and questioned why the club allowed a suitable candidate to move to another team at a reasonable transfer fee.

Sturridge said during a post-match appearance on Sky Sports: "I personally think the team needs a defensive midfielder. For the last three years, we've been talking about Liverpool needing a defensive midfielder. Then Gravenberch arrived and helped the team win the league, and the team's thinking changed."

"But if you carefully analyse their midfield setup, you'll find they all naturally have a more attacking orientation. For instance, Brentford recruited Mamadou Sangare."

"His 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, or roughly $52 million USD, is not high for a club like Liverpool."

"I'm not saying he's definitely the answer, but these statistics are very clear. Liverpool doesn't currently have this type of player. I really like Trey Nyoni, but he's more of a number 8 midfielder who is comfortable on the ball."

"He's not a defensive midfielder—he can't press opponents the way Sangare does, nor can he be as dominant as N'Golo Kante has been over the years. Honestly, I also think Szoboszlai is better suited to playing as a number 10."

Although Curtis Jones recently left to join Inter Milan, Liverpool appeared not to prioritize midfield reinforcement in the final week of the transfer window. The club seemed more interested in strengthening the attack, with wingers such as Ousmane Barcola, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Yankuba Minteh reported to be linked with Anfield.

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