Liverpool appointed Richard Hughes in March (Image: Getty)
sporting director Richard Hughes will sooner or later need to set about revamping ‘s squad, with some stars ageing and others approaching the end of their contracts.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who has a hefty , is a talent near the top of the Reds’ wish list. And their interest in the Spaniard is well known, having come within a whisker of signing him before the start of this season.
Zubimendi reportedly opted to stay with his boyhood club on the condition that the door would be left ajar for a future move. , and are the trio most regularly cited as holding a firm interest in the 25-year-old.
Though a scrap with Los Blancos and ‘s City is never an ideal position to be in, should feel good about their chances of landing Zubimendi when taking the big picture into account.
For one, they have come close to signing him before. Only a few months ago Hughes and co put in significant legwork to effectively strike a deal. And Zubimendi’s decision was said to be made more out of respect for Sociedad, who had just lost two other key players, than distaste for .
On top of that, have reported that Zubimendi would favour a move to the over joining a rival La Liga side.
Liverpool, Man City and Real Madrid are all keen on Martin Zubimendi (Image: Getty)
The player’s preference gives and City a natural edge over Spanish giants Real Madrid, who see Zubimendi as the natural heir to recently retired midfielder Toni Kroos.
That still leaves the two duo to battle it out. But should once again like their prospects, with reporting that Zubimendi has reservations about a move to the Etihad Stadium due to the possibility it could force him to play back-up to Rodri.
The Ballon d’Or winner is out for the season but he could block Zubimendi’s path to regular football once he returns, given they occupy a similar position in midfield.
Getting into Slot’s team would be no mean feat either, although with two deep-lying midfield spots to fill, and neither Ryan Gravenberch nor Alexis Mac Allister hitting Rodri heights at this stage in their careers, Zubimendi’s chances of breaking in would be higher in the long run.
And that’s not to mention ‘s current league position. Slot’s men are absolutely flying with a comfortable buffer at the top of the table, while City are scrambling to stay within touching distance of the top four.
If Zubimendi is to leave Sociedad this winter, the time may be right for the Reds to go all in.