Liverpool could be about to finally sign a Thiago Alcantara replacement in midfield after the Spaniard left the club this summer.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have yet to make a first-team signing this summer with the Reds embarking on their first campaign without Jurgen Klopp at the helm since the 2015/16 season.
We had previously reported that a new midfield incoming was unlikely with Spaniard Stefan Bajcetic set to be given chances at Anfield this season under Slot.
With Trey Nyoni also excelling during pre-season, a midfield signing looked unlikely for the Merseyside giants but it seems that stance has now changed.
Liverpool receive encouragement in Martin Zubimendi race
HITC understands that Liverpool have received encouragement in the race for Martin Zubimendi with the Real Sociedad having an affordable release clause in his contract.
The Merseyside giants are understood to be looking for a forward, a left-sided defender and also a defensive-minded midfielder – but the message from the club has always been ‘quality rather quantity’.
After Liverpool sounded out Zubimendi over a move to Anfield, the Reds have received encouragement and there is now a belief that a deal can happen this summer.
This would represent a major coup for Liverpool if they were to pull off the signing of the midfielder who was involved with Spain at the 2024 European Championships.
Arsenal had made Zubimendi their top target but HITC reported in June that the Gunners were prepared to look at alternative targets but it seems that Liverpool have been encouraged that a deal is possible.
A midfield addition has been needed, particularly with Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara departing Anfield at the end of last season.
Zubimendi could be an ideal Thiago Alcantara replacement
Before interest from the Premier League surfaced, it appeared for a long time that a move to Spanish giants Barcelona was on the cards.
Xavi Hernandez, the then Barcelona manager, was keen on the Spaniard and spoke to Mundo Deportivo in glowing terms of the defensive midfielder.
“They mirror a bit our style of play,” Xavi said of Real Sociedad. “Zubimendi is an extraordinary defensive midfielder, he understands the model we like at Barça, he dominates with and without the ball.”
Liverpool have needed an ‘extraordinary’ midfield option since Fabinho left and Zubimendi could offer that defensive solidity and consistent passing accuracy that the team have missed.
With Thiago leaving the club this summer, as mentioned, a replacement has been needed to offer the same passing range of the former Barcelona ace and Zubimendi fits that bill.
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