Liverpool's interest in 'incredible' midfielder means fans shouldn't worry about Zubimendi to Arsenal - opinion
Yesterday at 01:00 PM
A big story involving Liverpool target hit the mainstream media a few hours ago and sent the Anfield faithful into a bit of a frenzy.
Zubimendi rejected a move to Liverpool in the summer transfer window in favour of staying at Real Sociedad as he didn’t fancy leaving his boyhood.
However, less than six months later, he appears to have had a change of heart, which has come as a massive blow to Liverpool.
Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal in principle to sign Zubimendi in the summer of 2025, with the Spanish international set to remain at Sociedad for the rest of the current campaign.
Now, what does this mean for Liverpool?
Zubimendi was clearly high up on the Reds’ transfer shortlist, but based on how the season has gone under Arne Slot, they have no reason to worry as there are better options for the role.
And Liverpool have already been linked with a Premier League midfielder who would be the perfect addition to their options in the centre of the park.
Liverpool should step up Carlos Baleba pursuit
After Zubimendi’s transfer snub, Slot refrained from pursuing alternatives as he opted to deploy Ryan Gravenberch as his number six.
And the Dutchman’s decision has already paid dividends, with the former Ajax midfielder playing the best football of his career since the start of the current campaign.
That said, Liverpool decided to keep tabs on Zubimendi in case he has a change of heart in the future.
That has happened, but somehow, Arsenal have stolen a march on his signature and look very likely to snap him up.
For Liverpool though, it’s not the end of the world as Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield.
The Cameroonian has been one of the breakout stars of the 2024-25 Premier League campaign and has emerged as one of the cornerstones of Fabian Hurzeler’s exciting project at the Amex Stadium.
Baleba was snapped up to replace Moises Caicedo when he joined Chelsea last summer and although he took a bit of time to adjust to the rigours of the Premier League, he has come into his own and looks like a superstar in the making.
While Zubimendi is more of a volume passer and a traditional number six, Baleba’s all-action ability makes him a better fit for Slot’s system, with his athleticism making him a better bet for Premier League football.
The fact that Baleba is left-footed would also add another dimension to central midfield options as it would open up more passing angles for the Reds to exploit in the centre of the park.
Baleba is the one for Liverpool
Roberto de Zerbi hailed Baleba as an 'incredible' talent last season and the young midfielder has really kicked on under Hurzeler this time around.
The Cameroonian is already Premier League-proven and has produced some big performances against the best sides in his country, which is a sign that he’s tailor-made to slot right into Liverpool’s current set-up.
Zubimendi is a thing of the past for Liverpool as with Baleba, they could be getting an all-action midfielder who is considerably younger and has a higher ceiling.
It remains to be seen how much Brighton demand, though, as over the years, they’ve wanted top dollar for their prized assets.
