Liverpool have identified Martin Zubimendi and Milos Kerkezi as potential transfer targets for the January transfer window.
The Reds largely kept the dust dry in the summer, signing just two players, Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa, and have neglected to strengthen their midfield after Zubimendi reversed course on a move to Anfield.
Many Liverpool fans have expressed their displeasure at the lack of signings since the end of the transfer window, but the team’s first-season performances have largely allayed those complaints. However, Arne Slot would likely prefer more strength in depth given the intense schedule his players will face from now on.
Liverpool set to sell Gravenberch according to extraordinary report
Alisson offers injury update ahead of Liverpool-Manchester City
Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley were both injured in Wednesday’s win over Real Madrid and that no doubt served as a reminder to Slott of the importance of having a strong squad to bounce back when injuries occur. Kerkez is Bournemouth’s first-choice defender and Liverpool have been linked with him for several weeks, with Slott looking to bolster that area of the pitch. Andy Robertson has not had his best season, while Kostas Tsimikas is out injured and both players will be over 30 at the end of next season, accelerating Liverpool’s need for a long-term defender.
Manchester United and Liverpool are said to be admirers of Kerkez, with United having expressed an interest in the 2024 summer transfer window but were put off by Bournemouth’s £52m asking price.
TeamTalk also claim Liverpool could revive their pursuit of Zubimendi, despite being snubbed by the Spanish midfielder in the summer. Slot remains an admirer of the Real Sociedad midfielder and would like to sign him to ease the burden on Ryan Gravenberch, who has thrived in the deep-lying midfielder role that Zubimendi was expected to play since the start of the season. Arsenal are also said to be interested in Zubimendi, but Liverpool are said to be confident they can beat the Gunners in the race for his signature.
