Liverpool might finally be looking at the type of midfielder they have needed for years.
Sergi Altimira is reportedly on the club’s radar, with the Sporting CP midfielder being compared to former Liverpool favourite Fabinho. And if Andoni Iraola wants to build a team capable of controlling games rather than constantly chasing them, this is the sort of transfer that makes sense.
I know we’ve heard the words ‘next Fabinho’ thrown around before, but Liverpool’s need for a proper defensive midfielder has never really gone away.
Fabinho left in 2023, and replacing him has proved far more difficult than anyone might have expected.
Could Altimira be the answer?
Liverpool Are Looking at Altimira
According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool have added the Spaniard to their midfield shortlist as they consider their options for future transfer windows. The club are reportedly monitoring his progress at Sporting, although there is no confirmed agreement or formal bid.
Altimira joined Sporting from Real Betis in the summer and has quickly attracted attention with his performances in Portugal. He is a defensive-minded midfielder who can sit in front of the back four, win possession and help give his team a more solid foundation.
That is precisely the sort of profile Liverpool have sometimes lacked.
The Reds have plenty of midfielders who can carry the ball, press opponents and get forward. What they have not always had is somebody who can sit in front of the defence, read danger early and allow the more attacking players to do their jobs.
Fabinho was brilliant at that during his best years at Anfield. He gave Liverpool’s midfield balance, and his positional awareness allowed the likes of Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum to push forward without leaving the defence exposed.
Liverpool have spent years trying to find that same balance.
Why the Fabinho Comparison Is Interesting
Let’s be clear: calling somebody the next Fabinho is a big claim.
At his peak, the Brazilian was one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe. He could break up attacks, win important duels, cover space and make the simple pass that kept Liverpool moving.
He was not always the most glamorous player on the pitch, but his importance became obvious whenever he was missing.
Altimira appears to offer some of those qualities. Reports have highlighted his defensive contribution, ability to protect the back line and discipline when operating at the base of midfield.
That could be particularly useful for Iraola.
Liverpool have looked vulnerable at times when opponents have been able to run through the middle of the pitch. A midfielder who understands when to hold his position, when to step in and when to cover his defenders could make a real difference.
It would also give Liverpool more options tactically. Instead of asking every midfielder to contribute in similar ways, Iraola could build a more balanced unit around a specialist No.6.
And honestly, that is something I would like to see.
Is He the Right Fit for Iraola?
This is where things get interesting.
Iraola wants Liverpool to play attacking football, but that does not mean the team can afford to neglect its defensive responsibilities. You still need somebody who can win the ball, protect the centre-backs and stop counter-attacks before they become dangerous.
A proper holding midfielder can make the attacking players better, too.
Imagine Gravenberch being given more freedom to drive forward, with Altimira holding his position behind him. Mac Allister could also benefit from having a reliable defensive presence alongside him, allowing Liverpool to vary their midfield combinations depending on the opposition.
Of course, signing a defensive midfielder would not solve every problem. Altimira would need to adapt to the pace and physical demands of English football, and Liverpool would have to be convinced that his strengths suit Iraola’s system.
There are also questions about his mobility and how well he would cope when asked to defend large spaces in the Premier League.
Those are genuine concerns, not reasons to dismiss him outright.
Liverpool need to get their recruitment right rather than sign somebody simply because he resembles a player from the past.
The Price Could Be a Problem
There is another important detail Liverpool must consider: the cost.
Reports have indicated that Altimira has an €80 million release clause at Sporting. That is a substantial sum, particularly for a player who has only recently joined the Portuguese club.
There is no guarantee Sporting would accept a lower offer, and Liverpool have not made a confirmed bid.
If the Reds genuinely believe Altimira is the midfielder who can transform their balance, they may decide he is worth pursuing. But paying that kind of money would bring considerable pressure, and the recruitment team would need to be absolutely certain.
There may be other options on the market, too. Liverpool should compare the available midfielders carefully rather than become fixated on one name.
The important thing is that they identify the right profile and act decisively when the opportunity arrives.
Liverpool Cannot Keep Ignoring the No.6 Problem
For me, this is the biggest takeaway from the Altimira links.
Liverpool do not necessarily need another midfielder who wants to get into the penalty area. They need somebody who can do the less glamorous work that allows the rest of the team to function properly.
Fabinho understood that role better than most. His best performances were not always the ones that produced headlines, but he gave Liverpool the platform to dominate matches.
Altimira has a lot to prove before he can be mentioned in the same breath.
Still, I like the idea of Liverpool looking at a specialist defensive midfielder again. If Iraola wants a side that can attack with confidence while remaining difficult to play against, having the right player in that position could be crucial.
The next Fabinho might not be an exact copy of the original, but Liverpool desperately need someone who can give them that same sense of security in midfield.
Altimira is an intriguing name to watch. Whether he is the right man at the right price remains to be seen, but at least Liverpool appear to be considering a profile that addresses a genuine weakness.
Now they need to make sure they get the decision right.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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