Gerrard urges Liverpool to sign a No.6 destroyer before Tuesday's transfer deadline

Steven Gerrard has identified a defensive midfielder as Liverpool’s most urgent transfer priority, insisting the club has been without a genuine No.6 since selling Fabinho — and that the gap was exposed again in their opening defeat to Newcastle under new manager Andoni Iraola.

Speaking on the position, Gerrard said: “There’s one area that hasn’t really had much focus, only really in the last week since the Newcastle game. I believe they need a specialist in the No. 6 position, that’s my opinion. I think this team has missed a destroyer, someone who holds the middle of the pitch, who is a massive part of the spine since the team moved Fabinho on.”

The former Reds captain argued that filling the role would unlock the players around it. “That can allow your Szoboszlais and your Gravenberchs and your Mac Allisters to go and join attacks, to make the back four secure. I think they miss that position badly.”

Liverpool have been active in the summer window under Iraola, bringing in defender Jeremy Jacquet, Victor Munoz, and Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo. In midfield, however, the traffic has largely been outbound — academy graduate Curtis Jones has joined Inter Milan, and Harvey Elliott continues to be linked with a departure.

Gerrard also flagged the striker position as a secondary concern, particularly given the injury to Hugo Ekitike and persistent speculation linking Cody Gakpo with a move away. “If there’s an issue with Isak, I think there could be problems, especially if rumours are true where Gakpo could be going in the opposite direction,” he said.

On the attacking front, Liverpool are reportedly close to signing Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, and have also submitted bids for Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr.

Gerrard acknowledged that Iraola may have a different tactical vision, but maintained his view that the No.6 void is the most pressing structural issue heading into the final days of the window, which closes at 11pm on Tuesday. Liverpool host Nottingham Forest on Saturday before that deadline arrives.