Liverpool haven’t made a senior signing this summer, but that might soon change.
Liverpool could gain a significant edge in negotiations if they choose to pursue one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders.
Arne Slot’s team has had a subdued start to the summer transfer window. Despite several first-team players, including Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip, and Adrian, leaving the club as free agents last month, Liverpool has yet to make any senior signings.
David Ornstein of The Athletic reported on Tuesday that Liverpool has “identified a target” for their need in defensive midfield.
With Wataru Endo’s future in question and players like Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch better suited for more advanced roles, Liverpool is expected to sign a new defensive midfielder this summer.
Ornstein has indicated that Liverpool’s new signing will be from “outside of the Premier League,” which means they are not pursuing Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
One potential target is Spain international Martin Zubimendi, who plays for Real Sociedad. Last summer, Arsenal showed strong interest in Zubimendi, and Barcelona and Manchester United have also been linked with him. He has drawn comparisons to Manchester City’s Rodri and Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets.
Liverpool might have an advantage in negotiations for Zubimendi due to the club’s new sporting director, Richard Hughes, who is rumored to have a good relationship with Zubimendi’s agent, Inaki Ibanez. In his previous role at Bournemouth, Hughes successfully convinced Ibanez’s client, head coach Andoni Iraola, to join the club. Additionally, Xabi Alonso, a former Liverpool player and current Bayer Leverkusen manager, is also represented by Ibanez, further linking him with Liverpool.
Liverpool fans have reacted to the speculation about a potential move for Zubimendi, with some likening the Spanish midfielder to Manchester City’s Rodri.
“One fan posted on X, ‘Ideally, we need another CDM who could reach Rodri or Rice levels, with Endo as backup. Zubimendi is the one for that.’”
Another fan wrote, “In an ideal scenario, Liverpool would sign Zubimendi and pair him with Mac in a double pivot. The technical ability would be exceptional.”
It remains to be seen if Zubimendi is indeed Liverpool’s intended midfield target, as there is currently little transfer news from the club.
