{
  "id": 8501540,
  "title": "Everyone's finally caught up to Liverpool's biggest problem: Except Liverpool",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/everyones-finally-caught-up-to-liverpools-biggest-problem-except",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-19T17:10:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/everyones-finally-caught-liverpools-biggest-171000391.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Liverpool have faced a significant problem this season, but it seems they are the only team still grappling with it. The Reds spent a staggering £200 million in the summer transfer window, bringing in players like Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz, and Ronald Araujo on loan, as well as securing some youth players for 2027. Despite these significant investments, the team has struggled to perform well or consistently.\n\nAndoni Iraola, Liverpool's manager, is still in the process of finding the right mix of players for the squad. However, there are valid questions about whether this group has the ideal combination of players. Richard Hughes, Liverpool's head of football operations, built a team that doesn't quite fit together naturally, despite the apparent issues. Unfortunately, this issue has only recently come to light, with Liverpool remaining an exception to this trend.\n\nThe midfield has been a significant talking point this season. Liverpool's midfield looks unbalanced, leaving gaps in the middle and struggling to control games. This has led to demands for the signing of a defensive midfielder, but the team currently features overwhelmingly attacking midfielders. This imbalance has been a recurring problem, with critics pointing out that it was a major issue last season as well.\n\nAll of Liverpool's top midfield options - Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexis Mac Allister - are primarily attack-minded players. The team's lack of a controlling midfielder has been a persistent issue, and the arrival of Curtis Jones further exacerbated the problem. By losing one of their best controlling central midfielders, Liverpool has become even lighter through the middle of the pitch.\n\nWhile the reasons behind Liverpool's midfield woes are unclear, it's evident that the team's squad planning has been underwhelming. As the transfer window closes, it appears pressure will force Liverpool to sign a new midfielder in 2027. Fans are hopeful that Lamine Camara could be the solution, although any arrival would be preferable to another attacking player.",
  "summary": "Liverpool have a massive problem on their hands and people are finally noticing. Except Liverpool, however.Liverpool spent an awful lot of money in the summer once again. Only this time, they didn't s...",
  "key_points": [
    "Liverpool spent £200 million in summer transfer window",
    "Team struggles despite significant investments",
    "Midfield imbalance leaves gaps and control issues"
  ],
  "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."
}