Xabi Alonso’s favourite player has been linked to both Manchester United and Arsenal this summer. He should, however, be considered by Liverpool as a defensive midfielder.
A transfer target has been selected by Liverpool to play holding midfield for Arne Slot in the upcoming campaign. That guy is being intensively chased ahead of the August 30 deadline with the Reds hoping to get a deal done.
The Athletic broke the story earlier today; the individual in question’s identity was not disclosed. It is said that he is currently playing outside of the Premier League, but the details of his name are still unknown.
However, Xabi Alonso may have provided some indication as to who it should/may be. A genuine prospect who has already been connected to Manchester United, Arsenal, and – somewhat clumsily — Liverpool is Martin Zubimendi, a player he tutored at Real Sociedad.
Recently, Zubamendi won Euro 2024. He replaced injured Manchester City player Rodri at halftime in the championship match against England. The 25-year-old has a $66 million (£52 million/€60 million) release clause.
Transfermarkt values the player’s contract with Real Sociedad until 2027 at $54 million (£42 million/€50 million). He progressed through the club’s ranks, therefore Alonso’s guidance during Real Sociedad B’s managerial tenure was advantageous to him.
Zubamendi was used by the former Liverpool midfielder 25 times, the last time being in March 2020. He made his first start for the first team three months after the initial pandemic lockdown, when football was restarted, and he hasn’t looked back.
Two years ago, Alonso spoke to The Guardian about how much he admired the player. “Martin’s a player all coaches would want,” he stated. “He’s generous, he always thinks more about his teammates than himself.”
“He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move,” Alonso said. “Even before the ball reaches him, he knows what to do. He can arrange the axis in that way. It was a pleasure working with him.”
That’s high regard coming from a manager who won the Bundesliga. Zubimendi is a top-notch defensive midfield player, thus Liverpool should give him serious consideration. It could possibly be Zubimendi, the unidentified target.
Liverpool.com states: Although no club should rely its transfer decision on the manager of another club, a strong recommendation from someone with the calibre of Alonso should be taken into consideration. Alonso has experience playing at the base of Arne Slot’s midfield, which is exactly what Liverpool needs in an elite ball player.
