Liverpool is in urgent need of bolstering their midfield this summer. Arne Slot made his debut with the team in Liverpool’s 1-0 pre-season friendly victory over Betis. As is typical before a new season, the match was somewhat subdued and lacking in excitement. However, fans could clearly see how Slot intends to structure his tactics.
It’s evident that the Dutch coach prefers to use Liverpool’s midfield differently than Jurgen Klopp, opting for two deep-lying midfielders rather than a single comprehensive ball-playing midfielder. This shift underscores the need for Slot to make strategic moves in the transfer market.
Liverpool’s midfield has recently undergone significant changes, with four new players added last summer. Despite this, there remains a sense that The Kop is missing a top-class defensive midfielder. Wataru Endo has performed well but his future at Anfield may be uncertain.
Endo had a poor showing against Betis. The 31-year-old appeared sluggish and struggled with making the right passes quickly. Last season, Endo was a solid presence in midfield, persistently winning the ball before passing it on to more technically proficient teammates. In other words, Endo needs someone alongside him to drive the ball forward.
When operating with a three-man midfield, this was acceptable. However, with fewer midfielders, each player is expected to take on more passing responsibilities. Unfortunately, this is not Endo’s strong suit.
This is where Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad could be the ideal fit. Despite being a defensive midfielder, Zubimendi excels in passing and ball distribution. He is often compared to Xabi Alonso, and the Spanish player could seamlessly integrate into Slot’s system.
Moreover, Zubimendi’s transfer is financially feasible this summer. His value has not surged following Spain’s victory at EURO 2024. With a release clause of around £51 million, Liverpool can easily meet this requirement.
Liverpool’s transfer strategy often involves targeting players with release clauses, as this allows them to know exactly how much they need to pay and avoid protracted negotiations.
One challenge with Zubimendi is his deep affinity for Real Sociedad. “Zubimendi has always been very happy at Real Sociedad. It’s his city, his country, which is why he’s not an easy deal,” confirmed journalist Fabrizio Romano.
While it won’t be easy, it is not impossible. If Liverpool can entice him with a promising project, Zubimendi could indeed be the answer to Slot’s midfield needs.
