Liverpool could finally be nearing the conclusion of its search for a world-class holding midfielder, which has now been ongoing for at least two years. Martin Zubimendi is the latest candidate to be identified, and one Arsenal ace has no doubts about his credentials .
The need to recruit in the holding role became especially pressing last summer, when Fabinho unexpectedly upped sticks for Saudi Arabia. It was a good deal for Liverpool, with the Brazilian having been off the pace in his final Anfield campaign, but it rammed home the need for a signing.
Yet marquee business did not materialize. Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia were targeted for big fees, but both chose Chelsea, and Liverpool ultimately pivoted to veteran Wataru Endo under the leadership of temporary sporting director Jorg Schmadtke.
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The summer prior, Liverpool had already been exploring long-term succession plans. It pushed hard for Aurelien Tchouameni, but he opted for Real Madrid, and the Reds were happy to shelve recruitment in that position altogether after missing out.
In short, then, the Zubimendi deal would be a long time in the making. Although Liverpool has learned not to count any chickens, the returning Michael Edwards and his new-look recruitment team have clearly earmarked the Real Sociedad man as good enough to anchor the midfield for years to come.
His comfort in possession, something praised by Xabi Alonso , makes him a strong fit for the style of play Arne Slot has been seeking to introduce. And Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney has also sung Zubimendi's praises.
Tierney spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad. Hamstring issues disrupted his campaign, but he did make 20 league appearances, featuring alongside Zubimendi.
And in an interview with the Guardian , he name-checked the midfielder as a player Premier League fans have been sleeping on. He dubbed him "world-class":
"You have world-class players like [Martin] Zubimendi, [Mikel] Merino, Brais [Mendez]," he said. "It’s not that people don’t think they’re good; it’s just that if you’re only watching the Premier League every week, it’s hard to know. They’re world class, and for so many to come from the academy is incredible."
Zubimendi further underlined that point at the Euros, where he introduced himself to a wider English audience. Replacing the injured Rodri at half-time in the final, he dominated against Gareth Southgate's side, earning widespread acclaim.
Liverpool.com says: All the reports from those who have watched Zubimendi a lot appear to be very positive. Tierney is in a great position to judge.
He might even have been in Zubimendi's ear about a move to Arsenal, with the Gunners supposedly exploring a transfer earlier this summer ( Sport ) . But as things stand, Liverpool looks likely to succeed where others have failed and sell the midfielder on a move.
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