Liverpool is on the hunt for a new midfield dynamo this summer, and Arne Slot’s arrival has only heightened the urgency for reinforcements. In his debut with the Reds, Slot witnessed a 1-0 victory over Betis in a pre-season friendly—a game that, though lacking in flair, provided a glimpse into his tactical vision.

Slot’s approach diverges from Jurgen Klopp’s by favoring two deep-lying midfielders instead of a single all-encompassing playmaker. This strategic shift highlights Liverpool’s need to address their midfield depth in the transfer market.

The squad has seen significant overhaul with four new midfielders arriving last summer. Still, there’s a lingering sense that Liverpool needs a premier defensive midfielder. Wataru Endo, while dependable, may not be a long-term solution.

Endo struggled in the match against Betis, showing signs of sluggishness and difficulty with swift, accurate passing. Although he was a stalwart last season, winning the ball and transferring it to more skillful players, he’s less adept when the play demands more dynamic passing.

In a three-man midfield setup, Endo’s role was manageable. However, with fewer midfielders to share the load, each player must handle additional passing duties. Endo, unfortunately, isn’t ideally suited for this increased responsibility.

Enter Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad—a perfect candidate to fill this gap. Although known for his defensive prowess, Zubimendi excels in ball distribution and playmaking, drawing comparisons to Xabi Alonso. His style of play could mesh seamlessly with Slot’s tactical framework.

Financially, Zubimendi is within reach. His value has remained stable following Spain’s EURO 2024 triumph, with a release clause set at approximately £51 million. Liverpool is well-positioned to meet this requirement.

The club’s transfer policy often targets players with release clauses, offering a straightforward path to securing talent without the hassles of drawn-out negotiations.

However, Zubimendi’s strong ties to Real Sociedad pose a challenge. As Fabrizio Romano points out, “Zubimendi has always felt at home in Real Sociedad—his city, his country—which makes him a difficult acquisition.”

While it won’t be a walk in the park, if Liverpool can present an enticing project, Zubimendi might just become the crucial piece Slot needs to complete his midfield puzzle.