During last summer’s transfer window, Liverpool were committed to acquiring Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Although an agreement was reached between the clubs, the 25-year-old midfielder decided to remain at his beloved Real Sociedad and the move never materialised.
With the need to strengthen the midfield, instead of devoting resources to other targets, the club invested in a revamped goalkeeping corps and secured a replacement for Mohamed Salah. There have been rumours of interest in various defensive midfielders since then, but no significant moves have been made as of yet.
According to The Sunday Times, Liverpool had an offer from the side of Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who was struggling for playing time at Paris Saint-Germain at the time, but he is not a ‘destroyer’. Arne Slott, who was looking for a player who could ‘join in with the build-up’ rather than a ‘destroyer’, did not seem to take the chance.
After leaving France, the 23-year-old midfielder sought a new home at Premier League rivals Manchester United. He is an excellent ball-winning midfield fighter, but has struggled to secure a regular place in the team.
His position at United could change with the arrival of manager Ruben Amorim, who he has played with at Sporting CP, but his first attempt in England has not been a success at the moment, partly due to the poor team situation.
If Jurgen Klopp had been in charge at Anfield, he might have been open to acquiring the Uruguayan midfielder to compete regularly with Japanese midfielder Wataru Endo, but the Dutch manager converted his compatriot Ryan Gravenberch to the bottom of midfield to solution.
It is reported that he is still looking to strengthen the position, but will Liverpool be able to add the ideal midfielder to their squad this winter or in the transfer market this summer…?