{
  "id": 14893912,
  "title": "Liverpool take giant step closer to Sergi Altimira",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/liverpool-take-giant-step-closer-to-sergi-altimira",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-16T07:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/liverpool-giant-step-closer-sergi-070500124.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Liverpool have taken a significant step towards securing the services of Sergi Altimira or a comparable player. The club, which has been on the lookout for a new midfielder, had previously considered Altimira as a potential target. Anfield Watch reported that he might be the ideal candidate for the Reds' 2027 plans. Sporting had shown interest in Altimira, signing him from Real Betis in the summer to replace Morten Hjulmand, who moved to Atlético Madrid. The Reds' assessment of Sporting's move seems to be positive, as Altimira is seen as an upgrade. The player's defensive prowess, as indicated by the Value Adder model, makes him a standout among defenders per 90 minutes across the top five leagues last season. Liverpool's recent interest in Altimira is noteworthy, given his unique profile. While the club has primarily focused on attacking midfielders over the past two years, Altimira's performance in the role has caught their attention. His recent display against RC Lens, where he positioned himself effectively as a sitting midfielder, aligns with Liverpool's new midfield strategy. Additionally, Andoni Iraola has been experimenting with a midfield three, with Altimira potentially fitting into this system. With Altimira's impressive statistics, Liverpool's pursuit of him seems well-founded.",
  "summary": "Liverpool are taking a step closer to signing Sergi Altimira or the next best thing. The Reds have shifted their plans.We've written this week that Liverpool are in the market for a new midfielder and...",
  "key_points": [
    "Liverpool targeting Sergi Altimira as potential new midfielder.",
    "Sporting signed Altimira from Real Betis this summer.",
    "Altimira's defensive skills make him an upgrade over current options."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}