The Reds are reportedly in the market for a new midfielder; could any of these African stars fit the bill?

Liverpool have already signed the likes of Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho during this transfer window, but will they get more business over the line before the end of deadline day?

Jurgen Klopp has stated that the Reds need a midfielder before the close of business, and you can expect that the club’s scouting department have already drawn up a list of potential targets.

Here are profiles five African players who the 2020 Premier League giants could sign before the close of business on Thursday.

Ibrahim Sangare

Despite recently signing a new deal at PSV Eindhoven, Sangare ought to be in Liverpool’s considerations, particularly considering the Dutch giants’ failure to reach the Champions League group stages.

He’s an excellent ball-winner—averaging 3.5 ball retrievals per 90 minutes in the Eredivisie last term—and has also developed the technical side of his game, able to carry the ball forward and link up with PSV’s attackers.

The Ivory Coast international, whose physical presence would also make him an asset in the top tier, has also been linked with a move to West Ham United and Manchester United.

Seko Fofana

Another Ivorian, and another player heavily linked with West Ham, Fofana made the Ligue 1 Team of the Season last term despite playing for Racing Club de Lens.

His physical qualities and dynamism make him an effective midfield general in the French top flight, and the 27-year-old may have a point to prove in England after being let go by Manchester City earlier in his career.

A reported asking price of £25.4 million wouldn’t deter Liverpool, and could potentially encourage Klopp to allow Naby Keita to depart to RasenBallsport Leipzig.

Fofana netted eight goals for Lens last term—demonstrating he can make a difference in the final third—while his creativity could help get the best of the Reds’ attacking riches.

Wilfred Ndidi

In recent years, Ndidi has been tipped for some of the Premier League’s top clubs, but as we approach the end of the summer 2022 window, the 25-year-old hasn’t been featuring prominently in the rumour mills and gossip columns.

He is coming off the back of an injury-hit season—making just 18 starts last term—and it was perhaps telling that Brendan Rodgers only saw fit to give the midfielder a spot on the bench for the defeat against Chelsea this weekend.

Make no mistake, Ndidi would be a major asset to the Reds; he’s proven that he’s one of the finest defensive midfielders in the top flight, and still should have at least six years at the top ahead of him.

Idrissa Gueye

Gueye appears primed for Merseyside this transfer window, with Everton appearing primed to bring the Senegal midfielder back to the North West.

However, should Liverpool look to step in and block the Toffees’ ambitions in order to secure the Africa Cup of Nations winner for themselves?

Gueye, at 32, will bring elite level experience to the table—he was part of the Paris Saint-Germain side that reached the Champions League final—and knows the Premier League well.

The midfielder is out of the picture at PSG under Christophe Galtier; he’s available, and Jurgen Klopp would be wise to block Everton’s ambitions.

Will Osula

At the other end of his career to Gueye is Danish-Nigerian wonderkid Osula, who’s currently on the books of Sheffield United, having originally moved to Yorkshire in 2018.

He’s a raw talent, but is already piquing the interest of England’s biggest clubs, with Chelsea and Newcastle United understood to be considering a move for the 18-year-old according to the UK media.

Klopp has demonstrated a willingness to recruit prospects rather than consistently seek the finished article, although while Osula would benefit from learning alongside the likes of James Milner and Jordan Henderson, he would represent a long-term option for the Reds, and not a solution to any of their current midfield problems.

Ismael Bennacer

Earlier this month, sources in Italy reported that Liverpool are considering a €40 million bid for AC Milan’s Bennacer.

The North African is coming off the back of a title-winning season in Serie A, during which he excelled alongside Franck Kessie.

He’s tenacious and gritty, while his technical prowess would help him fit into Klopp’s plans at Anfield and be an asset for the Merseysiders.

Milan boss Stefano Pioli has backed Bennacer to become a ‘complete midfielder’, but will he hit those heights in the Prem or in Serie A?