Martin Zubimendi transfer: Liverpool ‘set to reignite interest’
Liverpool look set to revive their interest in Martin Zubimendi in the next “one to four windows”, according to Ben Jacobs.
Transfer journalist Ben Jacobs shared via Four Four Two [27 January] that the Reds will look to prioritise a new defensive midfielder in the upcoming transfer windows and suggested a return for Zubimendi could be on the cards after refusing to pursue alternative options in the summer.
The 25-year-old was expected to leave Real Sociedad for Anfield last summer [Mikel Recalde], before a late change of heart scuppered the move, and he opted to remain in San Sebastian.
Liverpool must be cautious with Martin Zubimendi
Although the saga ended with the best possible outcome for Liverpool, the failed public pursuit of Zubimendi was a poor reflection of Richard Hughes.
The sporting director ended his first transfer window with Federico Chiesa, who has struggled with fitness on Merseyside, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is spending the season at Valencia.
Nevertheless, had Zubimendi signed on the dotted line on Merseyside, Arne Slot may never have gotten the untapped potential out of Ryan Gravenberch – the Dutchman has been a revelation in his second season.
But Manchester City have been active this month to bolster the squad after a shocking first half of the season – they have always been a prime example of having world-class competition in every position.
Wataru Endo is a cult hero among the Reds faithful, but the Japanese international has found minutes few and far between this year, and the Zubimendi collapse meant a move to Marseille also failed to materialise [The Athletic].
Should the Spaniard now realise the magnitude of his error and wish to move to the Premier League, Slot and Co will undoubtedly consider it but must move cautiously after what happened in the summer.
Since rejecting the move, Zubimendi has hardly been cutting down trees in LaLiga, and perhaps pursuing a midfielder eager to play at Anfield would be a more worthwhile approach for Liverpool.
In other Liverpool news, the Reds have “two deals done” as contract bombshell emerges.
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