Liverpool ‘already have Martin Zubimendi alternative’ amid Arsenal update
Liverpool have absolutely no need to reignite their interest in Martin Zubimendi.
The 25-year-old was the number one target at Anfield during the summer transfer window and, at one stage, looked set to sign on the dotted line before a late change of heart scuppered the move [Mikel Recalde].
Now, after Sky Sports reported that Arsenal are leading the race for the Real Sociedad midfielder (14 January), transfer journalist Ben Jacobs told Four Four Two on 27 January that the Reds could look to reignite their interest at the end of the season.
While Liverpool supporters were left deflated after the publicly failed saga, Ryan Gravenberch stepped up and is now in the conversation as one of, if not the, in-form midfielders in Europe.
And instead of splashing the cash on a player who has already turned down a move to Merseyside, forgotten man Stefan Bajcetic could stake a claim to challenge Gravenberch next season and beyond.
Stefan Bajcetic can compliment Ryan Gravenberch at Liverpool
The 2022/23 campaign will be remembered as the worst of Jurgen Klopp’s era, but while his side was decimated by injuries, up stepped an 18-year-old Spaniard from the academy.
Bajcetic announced himself to the Liverpool faithful with 21 appearances across all competitions, rounded off with his first senior goal in a 3-1 Premier League win against Aston Villa.
Injuries have halted his development on Merseyside, but he was allowed to follow ex-assistant manager Pep Ljinders to RB Salzburg on a season-long loan deal.
However, his experience in Austria did not pan out as he had hoped, to the anger of the Reds supporters. He will now look to salvage what remains of the campaign back in his native Spain with La Liga outfit Las Palmas.
Bajcetic rubbed shoulders with the best the Premier League had to offer during his breakout season at Anfield and will undoubtedly develop into a top-level talent with sufficient playing time.
Of course, Arne Slot will assess the situation at the end of the season, but there is serious talent waiting to blossom in Bajcetic, and with Gravenberch continuing on a jaw-dropping upward trajectory, there is no better deputy for the Dutchman.
Should the Spaniard kick on in the second half of the season, Liverpool could enter the 2025/26 Premier League season with the best defensive midfield core in the top flight.
In other Liverpool news, Micky van de Ven sparks “transfer hope” at the Reds after Virgil van Dijk admission.
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