Liverpool has been connected with a move for a recent Barcelona transfer target, who may be the ideal first acquisition for a future Xabi Alonso reign.
Before Liverpool has decided on Jürgen Klopp’s replacement, the club is said to be arranging future signings for the next manager. With Xabi Alonso still the overwhelming favorite to take over, the Spaniard might arrive at the same time that Liverpool signs a player from his previous club, Real Sociedad.
The La Liga club has been one of Europe’s developing bright spots this season, earning a place in the Champions League Round of 16 against Paris Saint-Germain. Martín Zubimendi has contributed significantly to the organization’s success.
Liverpool could now be preparing to compete with Barcelona and Arsenal for his signature. This is according to the most recent report.
According to FootballTransfers, the Reds intend to trigger his $64 million (£51 million/€60 million) release clause in the summer, with the club hoping to make a statement signing at the base of midfield. While Liverpool isn’t the only team interested, the prospective arrival of Xabi Alonso would undoubtedly present an advantage, given that Zubimendi, who is compared to both Alonso and Sergio Busquets, has already worked with the former Liverpool midfielder.
Following recent release clause signings for Alexis MacAllister and Dominik Szoboszlai, it appears that Liverpool intends to continue this pattern — and a transfer for Zubimendi would undoubtedly be beneficial. Barcelona would have made a bid for him if its financial circumstances allowed, with the Blaugrana still looking for a replacement to Busquets, and it is easy to see why Zubimendi is on the radar.
Zubimendi remains calm under pressure in central areas, exhibiting strong decision-making skills. One of his strongest qualities is his ability to make direct passes into risky situations. The 25-year-old would assist keep control in difficult situations and contribute to attacks with passes into players such as Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah.
Thiago Alcântara’s future, which may have been an attractive choice under Xabi Alonso, is also questionable following his recent injury. Allowing him to depart as a free agent would be understandable, given his latest setback, which suggests that he has reached the point in his career where injuries will become an increasingly common occurrence.
That means a move for Zubimendi, who is on the verge of his prime years, would be wise — especially because he could potentially join a club managed by a head coach who matches his style. However, stability is more crucial.
Jürgen Klopp’s departure has raised questions about whether Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will be prepared to commit their careers to Liverpool, with both, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold, entering the final year of their contracts this summer. A $64 million move would represent FSG’s statement of intent, as well as a signal to any future managers that they would have the board’s support. If that’s Alonso, it couldn’t be a greater fit.
