GOOD DEAL : Martin Zubimendi signs for £51.7m, funds raised from selling pair – Liverpool’s dream midfield

Martin Zubimendi signs for £51.7m, funds raised from selling pair – Liverpool’s dream midfield

Liverpool are chasing Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi as Arne Slot’s first signing as Reds boss and his arrival could transform the club’s midfield ahead of the new Premier League season

Martin Zubimendi

Liverpool are interested in signing Martin Zubimendi

Arne Slot is closing in on his first signing as Liverpool manager – but it could cause him a major headache.

The Reds have made Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi their priority target this summer. The Spaniard had previously been eyed by Premier League rivals Arsenal.

While there is still significant work to do to thrash out an agreement, his arrival would give Slot significant thinking to do. Zubimendi – who has a release clause worth £51.7million – would become the 11th midfield player at Anfield and not all of them can play at the same time, unless Slot has aspirations on adopting a revolutionary 0-11-0 formation.

Some players such as Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton have been linked with moves away which might make the decision easier. Take a look at some midfield combinations Slot could deploy throughout the campaign:

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Signings upon signings: Zubimendi, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai

Liverpool have certainly not been afraid to splash the cash when it comes to their midfield options over recent seasons. Should Zubimendi move to Merseyside, he would become just the latest in a long line of expensive signings.

The Reds spent heavily on their midfield options during Jurgen Klopp’s final season. Liverpool signed Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton for £35m in June, while Dominik Szoboszlai followed him for £60m.

Alongside Zubimendi, the duo could assemble an eye-catching midfield three for the coming campaign.

Martin Zubimendi

Martin Zubimendi could become Arne Slot’s first Liverpool signing

Who else should Liverpool sign this summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Klopp’s preference: Endo, Elliott, Mac Allister

Speaking of Klopp, Slot could potentially take inspiration from his predecessor as he attempts to find a solution for his midfield conundrum. The German appeared to have settled on his preferred options come the end of last season.

Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo started at the base of midfield and was joined by fellow signing Mac Allister. Young star Harvey Elliott rounded off the three. Endo has been linked with a £15m exit but should he stay, he could certainly be an opinion for Slot.

Youngsters: Bajcetic, Elliott, Carvalho

One common theme across Liverpool’s midfield options is that the vast majority of them are very young. And Slot could assemble a very promising middle of the park should he choose to do so.

Spanish teenager Stefan Bajcetic is now over the injury issues that ruined his season last term. Alongside him, there are other young players keen to make an impact including Elliott and Fabio Carvalho.

The latter shone on loan at Hull last season and has been linked with another exit but Slot could potentially see him as an option. Tyler Morton is another candidate but has been linked with a £20m so the Reds could raise funds by cashing in on him.

Fabio Carvalho

Fabio Carvalho has shone for Liverpool in pre-season

Academy experience: Bajcetic, Alexander-Arnold, Jones

Liverpool have never been afraid to give their brightest stars opportunities. And some among their ranks are hugely experienced when it comes to first-team exposure.

Bajcetic, 19, has already made 22 appearances for the Reds’ first team. He could be joined in the heart of midfield by fellow academy graduate Curtis Jones.

At 23, he has already managed to accumulate 133 appearances for Liverpool. The final academy graduate who could lend his experience is Trent Alexander-Arnold.

While a natural right-back, he has played in midfield on a host of occasions. The 25-year-old has already made over 300 appearances for his boyhood club.

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Switch-up: Zubimendi, Alexander-Arnold, Mac Allister

Sticking with Alexander-Arnold, he could actually be a very good partner for new signing Zubimendi. The latter was drafted into a more advanced role during Euro 2024 and could certainly be an option.