Liverpool are keeping their midfield options open as they consider Adrien Rabiot to be a solid alternative to top target Martin Zubimendi.
According to Football Insider, Adrien Rabiot has emerged as an alternative for Liverpool to bolster their midfield. However, they are still hoping to sign Martin Zubimendi. The Spaniard has multiple complications, but the former Juventus star is available for free, provided his wage demands are met.
Adrien Rabiot on Liverpool’s shortlist
Liverpool fans have warmed up to the idea of Martin Zubimendi as their new No.6. The club considers the Spaniard their top midfield priority in this window. Talks with Real Sociedad are ongoing at this moment, and there’s an expectation the midfielder will arrive at Anfield at some point in this window.
However, the move is not straightforward, with multiple layers of complications threatening to derail the pursuit. The main focus will be on convincing the player to leave his boyhood club, where he has played his entire career to date. Real Sociedad expect Zubimendi to join Liverpool, which brings the second problem to the surface.
Zubimendi has a release clause of just over £51 million, which Sociedad wants to be paid in full as exit clauses go. Liverpool is more inclined towards paying in instalments like all other deals, which could create an impasse between the two clubs. Liverpool is hence keeping all its options open in pursuit of a new midfielder, with 29-year-old World Cup finalist Adrien Rabiot now featuring on their list as a Zubimendi alternative.
The Frenchman is available on a free transfer following his exit from Juventus and could represent an experienced star for Liverpool to consider. His agent has engaged in talks with many clubs, including Liverpool, and a move could still be a possibility provided they match his wage demands.
Liverpool could repeat the trick from last summer
Rabiot’s wage demands are over £10 million a season, which will bother Liverpool in this pursuit. However, they might soften their stance provided they do not pay a huge fee upfront like in the case of Zubimendi. Should they make a move for the 29-year-old World Cup finalist, it will be a repeat of last summer, when Liverpool signed Wataru Endo after missing out on top midfield targets like Moises Caicedo.
Rabiot does provide a bit more experience than Zubimendi, but other suitors, including Manchester United, are keen on landing the midfielder. Hence, for Liverpool to make sure they get the Frenchman, a move must accelerate, which will materialise once they get a clear answer from Real Sociedad and Zubimendi.
