Liverpool may rethink several plans after failing to sign Martin Zubimendi.
Liverpool’s hunt for their first signing of the summer transfer window continues.
Head coach Arne Slot has yet to add to his roster since taking over, with the Reds missing out on Martin Zubimendi. The midfielder has decided to remain with Real Sociedad.
Richard Hughes, the sporting director, must now start from nothing. The rejection from Zubimendi may have an impact on Liverpool’s future intentions. Here’s how things could alter for Liverpool before the transfer market closes on August 30th.
Focus on a new forward.
Given that Liverpool were willing to pay £52 million for Zubimendi, it is clear that there is money to spend this summer.
The Reds’ midfield hunt may come to an end, according to certain reports. Slot and Hughes may believe that there is no other No. 6 available to improve the Reds. Recruiting a player who isn’t any better than what they already have would be a futile endeavor. However, Liverpool may aim to bolster another part of their team, possibly in attack.
In fairness, the Reds have five strong choices in Mo Salah, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo. However, there is no serious insurance for Salah on the right wing, who is out of contract at the end of the season, and Diogo Jota’s troubling injury record cannot be ignored, despite his quality. Diaz has also been criticized for not recording enough goals and assists, while Nunez and Gakpo have had mixed results at Anfield.
Liverpool came close to signing Anthony Gordon earlier in the transfer window, and the Newcastle United player was apparently interested in returning to his boyhood club. Johan Bakayoko, from PSV Eindhoven, has also been linked.
Accelerating center-back plans
Liverpool has also considered recruiting in central defence. Much may rely on Sepp van den Berg’s future, since he is presently fifth choice after returning from a loan spell at Mainz. The Reds are prepared to sell the Dutchman for £20 million. Liverpool may want to sign a new player to join Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah, and Joe Gomez.
Van Dijk, who is 33 years old and in his final year of contract, requires a long-term successor. The Reds also do not have a natural left-footed alternative to play in the back. With Andy Robertson at 30 years old, it has been proposed that Liverpool look for a man who can also play left back.
Keeping Wataru Endo
If Zubimendi had been brought to Anfield, Endo’s future could have been called into question. While the Japan international has just been at Liverpool for a year following his surprise move from Stuttgart and has had a successful debut season, there are still questions about how he fits into Slot’s plans.
Endo is more of a destroyer, someone who extinguishes danger and puts out fires, rather than being known for his ball-playing abilities. Given that Marseille made a proposal of £11.8 million earlier this summer, there may be a perception in the football world that Endo is not at the forefront of Slot’s ambitions. The 31-year-old has only started two of Liverpool’s six friendlies, with Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai, and, most recently, Ryan Gravenberch favored in the holding-midfield position.
If Zubimendi had signed, he might have been able to go if the right offer came in. However, as Liverpool’s sole senior recognised option, a departure is unlikely.
Bajcetic or Morton will stay
According to preseason projections, Gravenberch might be converted into a No.6. The Dutchman shined against Manchester United and Sevilla, particularly in tight situations, where his ball control shone.
Alexis MacAllister is also capable, having played a single important role multiple times last term. However, the World Cup and Copa America winner with Argentina, as well as Jones and Szoboszlai, perform significantly better in an attacking position.
Given the scarcity of natural engine-room sitters, Liverpool may retain one of their emerging talents. Stefan Bajcetic has been linked with a loan move after struggling with injuries last season. Following a breakout 2022-23 season in which he started against Real Madrid in the Champions League last 16, he spent the majority of 2023-24 on the treatment table. He clearly requires frequent activity to regain his upward trajectory, but the Reds must first address their own situation.
However, Liverpool could insist that Tyler Morton remain to give cover. The academy product has had two good loan experiences at Championship clubs Blackburn Rovers and Hull City, and he made his way into England’s under-21 team last season. There has been rumors of a £20 million move to RB Leipzig, but that may have to be put on hold. Morton signed a long-term contract in January 2023, so his worth is unlikely to fall, even if he plays a supporting role for a while.
