Amidst the mixed information surrounding the next manager, there is no shortage of talk about Liverpool’s reinforcements for the upcoming season.
While Joel Matip’s likely exit at center back and Mohamed Salah’s successor are the focus of attention, rumors of new players also flicker in midfield, where Thiago Alcantara’s contract is also expiring.
Among them, a defensive midfielder is a high priority. In order to keep Alexis Mac Allister in the front row, and because Wataru Endo is now 31 years old and cannot be a long-term option, interest in players who play at the bottom of the midfield, such as Brazilian midfielder Andre, has continued.
As a result, the club has come this far without any reinforcements in this position, but it is possible that they will step up their game again over the summer.
According to Anfield Watch, Liverpool is interested in Spanish midfielder Martín Zubimendi, who plays regularly for Real Sociedad, and has prepared a €60 million release clause in preparation for a battle with Arsenal, who are also interested.
Xabi Alonso, the leading candidate to take over Jurgen Klopp’s position, has strong ties to the club, having originally come through Real Sociedad’s lower divisions before making his first-team debut.
He has a strong connection with the club, having made his first-team debut with Real Sociedad B when he was in charge of the club, and it would not be surprising if the Alonso administration were interested in him.
Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been following the player for years and has expressed his desire to add him to the team next season in order to further strengthen the midfield.
Like Xabi Alonso and Arteta in their current roles, he sets up the game from the back with excellent long and short passes. He is also not lazy on the defensive side of the ball and keeps pressure on opponents. He has been a mainstay of the team this season, helping it advance to the last 16 of the Champions League.
Will the 25-year-old midfielder, who is gaining recognition not only in Spain but also in Europe, make the step up to the Premier League this season?