Liverpool could give Martin Zubimendi the perfect welcome gift left by a former Anfield favorite if he joins the club this summer.
The Reds appear to be growing closer to securing the signing of the Real Sociedad midfielder following reports that he is keen to join Arne Slot's side "with immediate effect" and he would certainly be welcomed with open arms should he move to Merseyside.
It emerged on Wednesday that new manager Slot has identified Zubimendi for the 'No.6' role in a bid to address the issues the Reds suffered in midfield last season, with the 25-year-old considered one of the best in his position across Europe and recently picking up a Euro 2024 winners medal with Spain.
READ MORE: Martin Zubimendi left Man Utd legend with egg on his face after Euro 2024 masterclass
READ MORE: Martin Zubimendi concerns raised by ex-Spain star with Trent Alexander-Arnold point
Now, with a deal closing in, it has emerged that Liverpool could provide the cherry on top of the cake for Zubimendi by offering him the vacant No.6 shirt left by Thiago following his departure at the end of last season. The Spaniard has since retired, yet it leaves Zubimendi with the perfect opportunity to continue the shirt's legacy.
With the Reds yet to bring in a single new player this summer, the No.6 shirt remains vacant and is now there for the taking for Zubimendi should he walk through the doors at Anfield. In fact, the jersey only got one outing last term after Thiago endured an injury plagued final year with the Reds.
The Real Sociedad midfielder currently occupies the No.4 shirt for his current club but he'll be forced into making a change should he move to Anfield, with captain Virgil van Dijk currently occupying that shirt at Liverpool. Again, it is perfectly set up for Zubimendi to take on the No.6 shirt - and role.
However, it appears there are still a number of obstacles to overcome before the Spanish international can don a red shirt. La Real are not making things easy, and understandably so, with the La Liga outfit desperate to hold onto their Euro 2024 winner for at least one more season.
In fact, manager Imanol Alguacil is leading a drive to persuade Zubimendi to stay put, giving him four 'reasons' as to why he should not move to Merseyside this month . According to the Daily Mail , manager Alguacil has already held several meetings with the midfielder this week to tempt him away from Liverpool.
Equally, however, Liverpool is trying its best to convince him that his best option is to join a top club and play regular football in the Champions League . At Anfield, he could become a vital cog in Slot's side as it aims to push on from last season's third-place finish in the Premier League .
Most Popular
Comments / 0