Should Liverpool Return for Martín Zubimendi?

Despite the spectacular summer failure of the new Liverpool Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, to land the reds top transfer target, Martín Zubimendi, there is still a very real chance that the player will be approached once again (by the LFC executive) ahead of the upcoming winter window. Though the Liverpool midfield group has performed well above expectations so far this season, it remains something that has been achieved only with no substantial injuries to the middle ground assets.

Under the guidance of the new Head Coach, Arne Slot, a midfield double pivot is now a solidified fixture which controls that key area of the pitch. The once overexposed defence is now offered far more protection, whereas the on and off ball movement has been as impressive as the team performances shown thus far. If we were to look at a midfield quartet that could undertake the rotation of those two midfield positions, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, and Wataru Endō, stand the senior members which are backed up by youngsters, Tyler Morton, and Trey Nyoni.

Now that there is far more clarity in the teams’ patterns of play (which offers more control in possession), it is allowing the starting crop to overcome the opposition press and initiate continuing attacks with confidence. Unfortunately for the captain of Japan, Endō, his role as a ball winning enforcer has seen him limited to only a handful of appearances this term, given his limitations on the ball. The former Bundesliga star has expressed a desire to fight for his Anfield place and become part of this ongoing generation, however, I suspect that the club would be more than willing to see the 31-year-old moved on in January, to secure a far more fitting replacement.

With that and the increasing probability that Martín Zubimendi could become attainable in just a few months’ time, an internal decision must now be made whether to test those difficult Spanish waters once more, to try to get their man away from those picturesque mountains.

Should Liverpool Target a Player That Has Already Rejected Them?

I have long-held the opinion that in attempting to rush a late summer decision out of the loyal Sociedad player, created too much hesitancy in the player to push such a precarious deal over the line. If certain reports are to be believed, the elite level defensive midfielder has already turned down overtures from both Manchester City, and Arsenal, in recent seasons, therefore, the difficulties were always apparent from the outset. As a loyalist to his hometown club, the 25-year-old who once played under the former Liverpool legend, Xabi Alonso, for the Real Sociedad B team, was always going to be difficult case to crack.

The time that has passed since does of course permit a second move to be engineered, allowing the reality of such a life altering experience to evolve in the Zubimendi household. Ultimately, what was desired by the recruitment team saw those August talks initiate, which should now be re-entered into if there is a good chance of a deal being reached.

Following a poor start to the season by Real Sociedad, a 15th placed position in La Liga makes for unenviable reading by the man in question, especially when overtures are being made by the club that currently leads the Premier League table. Though attempting to force the hand of the player in late August failed, there is every chance that a less aggressive approach may prove fruitful in the new year.

The employers of the 14-cap Spain international would want time and the resources to recruit a replacement, something which could allow for far less resistance in completing a deal. Any Liverpool supporters that hold concerns over the initial rejection (by the player), must look at the broader picture and understand that the family of the player took precedence on that occasion. The first contact between club and player saw a high level of interest, which indicates that a deal can indeed be reached.

Success can be measured in many ways, however, in terms of elite level football, if this is a player that can solidify the reds place at the top of the Premier League standings, then Richard Hughes should not hesitate to make another move and sign the specialist no.6 that this squad still requires.