Liverpool is’ready’ to activate their ideal $64 million transfer clause; present to welcome Xabi Alonso

Liverpool is’ready’ to activate their ideal $64 million transfer clause; present to welcome Xabi Alonso.

A recent Barcelona transfer target is reportedly being pursued by Liverpool; he would be the ideal first signing for a future Xabi Alonso reign.

Prior to even selecting Jürgen Klopp’s replacement, Liverpool is reportedly preparing to add more players to their roster for the incoming manager. Although Xabi Alonso remains the clear favourite to lead the way, the Spaniard may arrive at the same time as Liverpool signs a player from Real Sociedad, his old team.

The La Liga team, who defeated Paris Saint-Germain to clinch a spot in the Champions League Round of 16, has been one of the rising stars from Europe this season. Its success can be attributed in large part to Martín Zubimendi.

Liverpool may now be preparing to fight Arsenal and Barcelona for his signature. If the most recent report is accurate, that is.

FootballTransfers reports that the Reds are ready to exercise his $64 million (£51 million/€60 million) release clause in the summer in an attempt to make a bold signing at the base of the midfield. Even though other teams are also interested, Liverpool would undoubtedly have an advantage if Xabi Alonso were to sign because Zubimendi, who is comparable to both Alonso and Sergio Busquets, has previously worked with the former midfielder for Liverpool.

It appears that Liverpool is aiming to continue its recent pattern of signing players with release clauses, such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister. A transfer for Zubimendi would undoubtedly be advantageous. Given that Barcelona is still searching for Zubimendi to replace Busquets, it is obvious why the Blaugrana is keeping an eye on him and would have moved for him if finances permitted.

In high-pressure situations, Zubimendi constantly maintains his composure and exhibits a high degree of decision-making. Playing direct passes into risky locations is one of his strongest game-related traits. The 25-year-old would contribute to attacks with balls into players like Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez while also helping to keep control in tough games.

After his recent injury, Thiago Alcântara’s future is likewise less assured. He too may have been a great alternative under Xabi Alonso. Given that he appears to have reached a point in his career where injuries will become a more common occurrence, allowing him to depart as a free agent makes sense.

Zubimendi, who is approaching his peak, would therefore be wise to make the move, especially because he might join a team led by a head coach who complements his style. However, the requirement for stability is more crucial.

Due to Jürgen Klopp’s departure, there is uncertainty as to whether players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk will be willing to commit their careers to Merseyside. Both players’ contracts expire in the summer. A $64 million acquisition would be a declaration of intent from FSG and a guarantee to any prospective manager of the board’s support. It is hardly a worse fit if that is to be Alonso.