Liverpool’s midfield has been one of the biggest talking points of the summer.
The Reds have lost Curtis Jones to Inter Milan, questions remain over the balance of the midfield and there are still concerns about whether Liverpool have enough defensive protection in front of their back four.
Now, a new name has emerged.
And it’s one that I think could make a lot of sense.
Alex Scott.
According to Miguel Delaney of The Independent, Scott is a “top target” for Liverpool in defensive midfield, with multiple sources indicating that the Bournemouth midfielder is the player the Reds have in mind.
There is just one huge problem.
The price.
Liverpool reportedly want Scott
Scott is an interesting option because he isn’t your traditional destroyer.
He’s not a Fabinho-type midfielder who simply sits in front of the defence and breaks up attacks.
But perhaps that’s exactly why he could be so well suited to what Andoni Iraola wants.
Scott is comfortable on the ball.
He’s aggressive when pressing.
He can carry possession.
He can win the ball back.
And he can immediately turn defence into attack.
That’s an incredibly valuable combination in modern football.
His numbers are impressive
Scott’s Premier League numbers from last season certainly suggest that he’s capable of making an impact defensively.
Per 90 minutes, he ranked highly among players in his position for:
● Recoveries: 88th percentile
● Fouls won: 88th percentile
● Successful dribbles: 86th percentile
● Defensive contributions: 84th percentile
● Clearances: 84th percentile
● Duels won: 73rd percentile
That’s not the profile of a midfielder who simply wants to sit back.
Scott can win the ball and then do something with it.
And that’s important for Iraola.
He could fit Iraola’s football
This is what makes the potential move so exciting.
Iraola wants Liverpool to press collectively.
He wants his midfielders to work.
He wants them to be able to get up and down the pitch.
He doesn’t necessarily want one player sitting deep while everyone else attacks.
Scott’s athleticism and ability to recover possession could make him a perfect fit for that approach.
Rather than asking him to be the next Fabinho, Liverpool could simply ask him to be Alex Scott.
Win the ball.
Press.
Carry it forward.
Pass.
Repeat.
But £90m?
And here’s where the problem starts.
Scott is reportedly valued at around £90m.
Liverpool aren’t believed to be willing or able to pay that amount this summer.
And Bournemouth have apparently made it clear that they don’t want to sell him during the final days of the transfer window.
That has led to suggestions that Liverpool could wait until next summer.
And honestly, I understand the thinking.
But I don’t particularly like it.
Waiting could cost Liverpool
If Liverpool genuinely believe Scott is one of their top targets for the position, why wait?
Because there’s no guarantee he’ll still be available next summer.
Chelsea are reportedly considering a late move.
Other clubs will be watching.
And if Scott has another excellent season, his price isn’t necessarily going to come down.
It could go up.
Liverpool could therefore find themselves looking at a £100m player next summer when they might have had an opportunity to sign him for less this year.
The Curtis Jones factor
There’s also the fact that Liverpool have already lost Jones.
Whatever anyone thinks about his ability, Jones brought something important to the squad.
He’s technically excellent.
He’s comfortable receiving the ball under pressure.
He knows the club.
And he has Premier League experience.
Replacing that profile isn’t easy.
Scott wouldn’t be a direct replacement for Jones, but he would provide Liverpool with another energetic, technically gifted midfielder who can contribute at both ends of the pitch.
And that’s exactly what this squad needs.
Liverpool’s midfield needs balance
The Newcastle game made this painfully obvious.
Liverpool had plenty of possession.
But when Newcastle attacked quickly, the Reds looked vulnerable.
There were times when Liverpool’s midfield was simply too open.
That’s not necessarily because the players aren’t good enough.
It could be a structural problem.
But Liverpool need players who can help solve that problem.
Scott could potentially be one of them.
Is £90m too much?
That’s the difficult question.
Personally, I wouldn’t pay £90m simply because Bournemouth demand it.
That’s an enormous amount of money.
But if Liverpool’s recruitment team genuinely believe Scott is the ideal midfielder for Iraola’s system, then they need to at least investigate whether there is a deal to be done.
Perhaps the £90m figure is only an opening position.
Perhaps there could be a structured deal.
Perhaps Bournemouth’s stance could change if Scott pushes for the move.
Football transfers can change incredibly quickly.
Don’t give up yet
I think Liverpool should continue monitoring the situation right until the deadline.
If Bournemouth refuse to sell, so be it.
But if even the smallest opportunity appears, Liverpool should be ready to move.
Because Scott isn’t just another name.
He could potentially solve one of the biggest problems in Iraola’s squad.
My verdict
If Liverpool really see Alex Scott as a top target, I’d be disappointed if they simply decided to wait until next summer without at least trying.
Yes, £90m is a huge asking price.
Yes, Bournemouth don’t appear keen to sell.
And yes, Liverpool have other transfers to complete.
But this is precisely the kind of situation where you need to be ready to act when an opportunity presents itself.
Liverpool have already shown this summer that they are willing to spend huge money on the right player.
They’ve signed Isak.
They’ve pursued Barcola.
So if Scott is genuinely viewed as the midfielder who can give Iraola’s team the balance it desperately needs, why not try?
Because waiting carries its own risk.
Chelsea could move.
Another European giant could arrive.
Scott could have another outstanding season.
And suddenly Liverpool are asking themselves why they didn’t act when they had the chance.
Alex Scott looks like an excellent fit for Iraola.
The question is whether Liverpool believe he’s worth fighting for.
And whether they’ve left it too late.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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