Liverpool have been linked with several quality central midfielders in recent weeks, and Martin Zubimendi was a priority target for them.
According to the latest reports, Liverpool have failed in their pursuit of 25-year-old Spanish international Martin Zubimendi, who has opted to continue with his boyhood club, Real Sociedad. The Spaniard was expected to join Liverpool this summer. But he has chosen to snub a move to the Premier League and commit his long-term future to the La Liga club.
The development will come as a major blow for Liverpool, who are looking to improve their midfield options. Thiago Alcantara left the club upon the expiry of his contract, and they need to replace him adequately. Signing a quality central midfielder who can control the tempo of the game from the deep and help out defensively, will be a top priority for Liverpool this summer.
With the summer transfer window on its last legs, Liverpool must accelerate their pursuit for a quality midfielder and plug the gap in their squad after facing rejection from Zubimendi. They will be hoping to push for major trophies next season, and a quality midfielder could make a big difference for them. Here at The Hard Tackle, we look at four potential alternatives to the Spanish international.
Bruno Guimaraes
The Newcastle United midfielder has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League, and he would be an exceptional acquisition. He has shown that he can control the game from the deep and help out defensively. The Brazilian international will add creativity and technical ability in the middle of the park as well.
On paper, he could be the ideal partner for Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. However, Bruno Guimaraes is unlikely to be a cheap acquisition, and Newcastle could demand a club record from Liverpool. In addition, the 26-year-old is a target for high-profile clubs like Arsenal and Barcelona.
Ederson Dos Santos
The Atalanta midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks, and Liverpool are reportedly keeping tabs on him. The 24-year-old has been exceptional for the Italian club, and he helped them win the UEFA Europa League last season. The Brazilian has shown that he has the physical and technical attributes to thrive in English football.
Ederson excelled against Liverpool in the UEFA Europa League last season, and he could be a key player for them. He will help Liverpool create goalscoring opportunities, score more goals and tighten up defensively. Ederson is a complete central midfielder who is entering the peak of his career. He could give his best years to Liverpool if the Reds can sign him up this summer.
Frenkie De Jong
The Barcelona midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League for years, but he has stayed in La Liga so far. There is no doubt that he is one of the most technically gifted central midfielders in the world, and the Dutchman would be an exceptional acquisition. He could add a new dimension to the Liverpool midfield, and he would be the ideal alternative to Martin Zubimendi on paper.
Barcelona are going through financial difficulties, and Liverpool certainly have the resources to tempt them into selling the player. In addition, the Blaugrana are keen Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, and it will be interesting to see if the clubs can work out a deal that benefits them both.
De Jong will be hoping to compete at a high level and push for major trophies. Liverpool certainly have a proven track record of doing so, and they could be an attractive destination for him. The player has been linked with Manchester United in the past, and it remains to be seen if Liverpool decide to make a move for him.
Manuel Ugarte
The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder is disgruntled with his situation at the Ligue 1 club, and he is expected to be on the move this summer. The Uruguay international will be sold, and Liverpool must do everything in their power to sign him up.
The 23-year-old is a quality defensive midfielder, who has shown his ability with Sporting CP in the past. He could be the ideal addition for Liverpool as they look to beef up their midfield options. They are lacking a specialist defensive midfielder apart from Wataru Endo. While the Japanese international has done well, Liverpool need a better player if they want to push for major trophies.
Ugarte has been linked with Manchester United as well, and Liverpool should look to swoop in and secure his signature. The South American will allow players like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to operate with more freedom, and he will protect the back four as well. However, he has his sights set on a move to Manchester United, meaning Liverpool might face a tall order.
