Martin Zubimendi to Liverpool: ‘Alert after major transfer update’
Liverpool have been alerted as their main summer transfer target Martin Zubimendi is “now open to a move”, according to The Times.
According to the outlet’s website on 13 December, Zubimendi has changed his mind regarding his transfer stance. This is after turning down the chance to move to Anfield earlier this year.
The Reds’ were heavily linked with the Spanish midfielder, and Real Sociedad even expected him to move [The Athletic]. However, the 25-year-old chose to stay, ending their hopes of signing him in the summer.
Although he “wanted to continue playing for his boyhood club” at the time his change of heart has alerted Premier League clubs, with Man City and Arsenal also interested.
Liverpool have seen an emergence of Ryan Gravenberch instead
Ryan Gravenberch has emerged as one of the standout players under Arne Slot’s management at Liverpool. After the club only signed Federico Chiesa in the summer there was some uncertainty surrounding the upcoming season.
However, the Dutch midfielder has proven to be the team’s anchor and has transformed this role.
Sources told Football Insider that Slot informed the 22-year-old that he was his “main man”, leading to him playing every match this season. He has featured in all 20 games, accumulating 1,777 minutes and one assist [TransferMarkt].
While the potential availability of Zubimendi may attract Liverpool’s attention, it would be hard to justify reducing Gravenberch’s minutes. It seems unlikely that he would serve as a rotational player.
Slot could shift his focus to other positions that were not addressed in the summer, such as left-back. They have expressed interest in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, although the Cherries are not expected to let him leave in January.
However, the club’s main priority is contract renewals. Deals for Virgil Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are at the top of the list.
In other news, Diogo Jota has shared a fitness update on Instagram.
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