'Keep an eye on': Liverpool have been watching 'the next Zubimendi' coming out of La Liga - journalist
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Liverpool pushed hard to make the perfect midfield signing for Arne Slot last summer.
Having taken time to get to know his players over pre-season, Slot identified the deep-lying midfield position as the one that most needed addressing.
As a result, Liverpool did their best to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
However, Zubimendi rejected a move to Anfield, ultimately deciding to stay at his boyhood club instead.
Having been turned down by the Spaniard, Liverpool chose not to target an alternative during the rest of the summer window.
And although it has been claimed that Liverpool could return for Zubimendi in 2025, it seems as though they are also turning their attention to a cheaper course of action.
Liverpool keeping watch over Javi Guerra
Ryan Gravenberch has been superb for Liverpool in what would have been Zubimendi’s position this season.
However, given that Wataru Endo could leave, the Reds are actively looking at bringing someone else in.
And according to journalist Graeme Bailey, that someone might be Valencia midfielder Javi Guerra.
Speaking exclusively to Rousing The Kop, Bailey says that Guerra has found his way onto Liverpool’s shortlist as
READ MORE: Three midfield alternatives to Martin Zubimendi who Liverpool should look to sign in January
“As we know, Liverpool have been looking at Valencia and Guerra is an interesting one,” says the transfer expert.
“He’s someone who a lot of Premier League clubs are aware of now because they’re thinking ‘who’s the next Zubimendi, who’s the next Merino’ before they get called up for Spain and you add 20 million Euros to the price-tag.
“He’s a really lovely talent and would tick a lot of boxes for Liverpool,” Bailey adds. “So, he’s one to keep an eye on. We’re not talking 50 or 60 million Euros as well, he’s someone who could be signed before he gets to that level.”
Who is Javi Guerra?
While it remains to be seen whether Zubimendi will change his mind about leaving Real Sociedad, Liverpool are right to assess all options.
And in that respect, Guerra would look like a very good one indeed.
| Assists | Pass Accuracy % | Dribble Success % | Tackles Won % | Duels Won % | Interceptions | Dribbled Past | |
| Martin Zubimendi | 0.08 | 86.9 | 75 | 56.3 | 64.6 | 1.12 | 0.4 |
| Javi Guerra | 0 | 76 | 41.7 | 55.6 | 47.9 | 0.34 | 1.03 |
Only 21, the Spaniard has already played 62 times for Valencia and has become a starter in their midfield after coming through the youth academy.
Guerra is also a Spain U21 youth international, where he featured during the most recent break alongside Liverpool’s very own Stefan Bajcetic.
His numbers leave a fair bit to be desired when stacked up against someone like Zubimendi, but as Bailey says, he’s certainly one to keep a watch over.
