Earlier this week, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher told his Sky Sports punditry colleagues what the Reds must do in January – sign Martin Zubimendi.
While the Spaniard rejected Liverpool’s advances in favor of staying with Real Sociedad, Zubimendi is reportedly a target for both Arsenal and Manchester City. The Gunners want to strengthen their midfield while Man City are looking to solve the issues in their engine room caused by the absence of Rodri.
Speaking on The Overlap’s Stick to Football, Carragher said: “If I was Liverpool I would be doing that [strengthening in January].
“Zubimendi is the player he [Slot] wanted, they ended up putting Gravenberch there who has been fantastic, but if he is the player you want – go and do it – you might never be in this position. You might be here three years but City are City and they are five points ahead of you at Christmas. Just make it count.”
And Carragher is completely correct. If Liverpool sit clear of their two main Premier League title rivals in January, they must do everything in their power to bring Zubimendi to Anfield, if Arne Slot still wants him. The Reds would be in a position of power, capable of showing to Zubimendi there is a place for him in the midfield that would likely be favorites to win the Premier League.
Failure to strengthen in January could be catastrophic for Liverpool. The Premier League title is there to be won this season. Man City are Rodri-less for the rest of the season. Arsenal do not look as consistent as they have during the last two Premier League seasons.
If Zubimendi, the midfielder Slot wanted in the summer, is available in January, the Reds must sign him. It is a no-brainer move that will help them this season by bringing in a top class defensive midfielder, and one that will help them in the future given that he is only 25-years-old.
Liverpool.com says: “If Liverpool can maintain the gap they have built up between themselves, Arsenal and Manchester City heading into the new year – a gap which could widen with the Reds set to face the latter on December 1st – then they must look at bolstering their squad in the January transfer window.
“Arne Slot has done a magnificent job in guiding Liverpool to 15 wins from 17 in all competitions so far this term. However, Liverpool did not strengthen their starting XI this past summer. They wanted to by trying to bring in Zubimendi, but ultimately when he turned them down, they opted to stick with what they had. That needs to change in January if there is a possibility Zubimendi is available and would be open to leaving Real Sociedad.”
