What is the new Liverpool midfield plan after Zubimendi rejection? Fabrizio confirms
Liverpool’s strategy for Arne Slot’s midfield has come to light after Martin Zubimendi turned down the Reds. Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that talks are now focused on a surprising deal for a different position.
Zubimendi, 25, was designated by Liverpool as their top goal for the summer transfer window. However, in the end, Zubimendi decided to stick with Real Sociedad even though he had promised sporting director Richard Hughes he would say yes to the Reds.
Reports from the Times and Daily Mail explained why, stating that Real Sociedad’s late charm assault was crucial.
The La Liga team brought up the idea that, having said he would stay after Euro 2024, Zubimendi would face criticism if he ever went back to his boyhood club.
Real Sociedad reminded Zubimendi of the “good food options” in the Basque region, which was another cultural component of moving from San Sebastian to Merseyside that was mentioned. Zubimendi’s habit of trekking up Mount Ulia was also brought up in a Real Sociedad lecture.
Zubimendi has also been presented with a new and better deal by the club. However, considering that Zubimendi would have had a significantly larger wage had he joined Liverpool, it is thought that financial considerations had little to do with his decision to stay.
In addition, the team has extended an upgraded contract offer to Zubimendi. But given that Zubimendi would have made a significantly larger income had he joined Liverpool, the financial aspect isn’t thought to have played a significant role in his decision to stay.
Real Sociedad will be more open to losing Mikel Merino, who has reached personal terms with Arsenal, now that Zubimendi is expected to stay.
Given that both Bayern Munich and Arsenal experienced similar heartbreak in the closing stages of their pursuit of the Spaniard in prior years, the Reds leadership may not have been overly shocked by Zubimendi’s refusal.
Whatever the situation, supporters of Liverpool want to know how their team will react, and according to the Mail, Times, and Athletic, the response won’t sit well with the Anfield crowd.
Liverpool Abandon Midfield Strategy after Martin Zubimendi
According to all the reports, Liverpool will call off their hunt for a new midfield player in favor of signing the next best player.
As a result, Arne Slot will be without a specialized No. 6 to play base midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister.
Liverpool, however, seems happy with their available choices. According to The Times, the club believes that Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dominik Szoboszlai can both play the role of Alexis Mac Allister’s partner, in addition to Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones.
Wataru Endo, a more potent No. 6, appears ill-suited to the new coach’s standards after falling out of Slot’s favor during the preseason. Trey Nyoni, who is 17 years old, is another well-regarded individual.
Additionally, Stefan Bajcetic is registered and can play in the double pivot with Mac Allister.
Major €30m LaLiga Transfer Nearing Completion
Although Liverpool has given up on finding a midfield player, the Reds are still in talks to make a big acquisition in another area.
According to Fabrizio Romano, negotiations have taken place over Giorgi Mamardashvili, the goalkeeper for Valencia.
Romano said on X that Liverpool is “seriously considering the opportunity to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili for a fee in excess of €30m for Valencia and then loan him out,” confirming that conversations had taken place.
Though negotiations are ongoing, a final decision is still up to Liverpool. The goalkeeper from Georgia is eager to go on loan to Liverpool.
Liverpool Considering a Chelsea-Inspired Transfer Coup
Mamardashvili’s transfer plan by Liverpool may be similar to Chelsea’s strategy for Thibaut Courtois and Petr Cech more than ten years ago.
Despite having one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world in Petr Cech, Chelsea purchased Thibaut Courtois from Genk in 2011.
After that, Courtois spent three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid. Following his training in Spain, Courtois was called up by Chelsea prior to the 2014–15 campaign, replacing the aging Czech icon at a time when his play was deteriorating.
Liverpool, with Mamardashvili and Alisson, may use a similar strategy. Although the Brazilian will turn 32 in October and is unable to continue upholding his extraordinarily high standards, he is still a performer of true world class calibre for the time being.
Also Read:
- Liverpool reveals asking price for Dutch defender
- How much will Mohamed Salah cost in FPL this season?
- Martín Zubimendi rejects Liverpool: Stays loyal to Real Sociedad
- Liverpool rejects second bid for attacking midfielder: A loan deal still possible?
- Arne Slot decides No. 6 role for Premier League opener against Ipswich Town
