Liverpool should be targeting 'brilliant' Southampton player instead of Tyler Dibling after £100m price-tag emerges - opinion
03/27/2025 02:00 PM
Arne Slot’s squad looks set for a big shake-up this summer, with a number of incoming and outgoings expected.
Liverpool’s forward line is one area of the pitch that seems set for change ahead of next season as the likes of Darwin Nunez potentially exit Anfield.
In terms of possible attacking signings, Tyler Dibling has been linked with Liverpool since January, as the Reds look to take advantage of Southampton’s likely relegation to the Championship.
Liverpool’s attempts to sign the 19-year-old have since taken a hit however, after it was revealed that the Saints value Dibling at £100m – a fee which would no doubt deter FSG from making a move.
With this in mind, the Reds would be wise to avoid that lofty transfer fee and turn their attention to another one of Southampton’s players – namely Mateus Fernandes.
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Liverpool should target Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes
Southampton’s inevitable relegation will no doubt attract suitors for a number of their players, with Fernandes, in particular, likely to garner much attention this summer.
Arriving at St Mary’s last summer from Sporting Lisbon, the midfielder has been a small bright spot in a dismal campaign for the Saints.
Despite his side’s struggles, Fernandes has managed to rack up an impressive six contributions from midfield – with one of those goals coming against Liverpool back in November during a 3-2 win for the Reds.
| Mateus Fernandes 24/25 stats | Apps | Goals | Assists | Minutes played |
| Premier League | 27 | 1 | 2 | 2.150′ |
| EFL Cup | 4 | 1 | 2 | 267′ |
| FA Cup | 2 | – | – | 176′ |
The young midfielder joined the Saints for £15m (according to BBC Sport) and could be available for a similar fee this summer – the sort of transfer fee which could present Liverpool with a potential bargain.
Fernandes could fix midfield depth issue for Arne Slot
Prior to his sacking, Russel Martin lauded the Portuguese youth international claiming he has a ‘brilliant mentality’ (via DailyEcho) – something which would no doubt tick a few boxes for Slot.
In terms of what else Fernandes could bring to Anfield, the 20-year-old would provide the Reds squad with some much-needed depth in midfield, with fatigue catching up with Liverpool in recent weeks.
Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have looked jaded recently, and the former Sporting man could help ease the pair’s midfield burden.
Fernandes for example is very hard-working off the ball, ranking as fourth highest in terms of tackles made by U21 midfielders this season (67).
With Juventus interested in signing Fernandes (via Bianconeranews), Liverpool may have to act quickly if they want to pick up a bargain this summer.
