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Liverpool are gearing up for an ambitious January transfer window, with Martin Zubimendi and Milos Kerkez emerging as the primary targets. Following a relatively quiet summer, the Reds appear determined to strengthen under Arne Slot, as the gruelling season ahead demands depth and quality across the squad, as revealed by the updates from Liverpool.com.
Why Zubimendi and Kerkez Are Priorities
Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has been a long-standing target for Liverpool. After rejecting a summer move to Anfield, Zubimendi is now back on the radar, and reports suggest Arne Slot remains keen on the Spanish midfielder. Slot views him as a solution to ease the burden on Ryan Gravenberch, who has been thriving in the deep-lying midfield role but cannot shoulder the responsibility alone throughout the season.
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As Liverpool look to outmanoeuvre Arsenal in the race for Zubimendi, confidence is high that the allure of Anfield could tip the scales. With competition from the Gunners likely to drive up the stakes, the January window promises to be an intriguing battle of ambitions.
On the defensive front, Milos Kerkez’s name has been linked to Liverpool for weeks, as the Reds seek to address their long-term left-back situation. Bournemouth’s first-choice left-back has impressed this season, and with Andy Robertson underperforming and Kostas Tsimikas sidelined, the need for reinforcements in that area has grown urgent. The looming $52 million price tag could be a sticking point, but Slot’s desire to secure Kerkez suggests Liverpool are ready to invest for the future.
Summer Missteps and Fan Frustrations
Liverpool’s summer business was underwhelming, signing only goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa. The failure to land Zubimendi in the summer left a hole in the midfield, though Gravenberch’s performances have temporarily masked this gap. However, injuries to Ibrahima Konaté and Conor Bradley during the Real Madrid clash were stark reminders of how quickly squad depth can be tested.
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Fans initially voiced their frustrations over the lack of activity, but Liverpool’s strong start to the season eased tensions. Still, the absence of reinforcements in key areas like midfield and defence has left questions hanging. Slot’s January plans seem aimed at addressing these lingering concerns and ensuring Liverpool can sustain their form through the season’s toughest phases.
Tactical Benefits of Key Targets
Slot’s Liverpool are characterised by high-intensity pressing and controlled build-up play, and both Zubimendi and Kerkez fit these principles perfectly. Zubimendi’s ability to dictate tempo from deep would complement the dynamism of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, while also providing defensive solidity.
Kerkez, on the other hand, offers an aggressive and athletic presence at left-back, vital for a team that relies on overlapping runs and quick transitions. As Liverpool look to phase out older players like Robertson and Tsimikas, Kerkez represents a player who can slot seamlessly into Slot’s demanding tactical setup.
Challenges Ahead
Securing both players will not be straightforward. Bournemouth’s valuation of Kerkez and Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi create hurdles, but Liverpool’s proactive approach under Slot has already shown promising intent. With Manchester United also tracking Kerkez, Liverpool’s January business could quickly turn into a multi-fronted battle.
For Slot, the stakes are clear. As he strives to build on Liverpool’s positive momentum, the success or failure of this January window could define the trajectory of the season.
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Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Liverpool fans are likely to be encouraged by the renewed push for January signings, particularly after the frustrating inactivity of the summer. Zubimendi’s return to the spotlight will intrigue supporters, as his deep-lying playmaking qualities seem tailor-made for Slot’s vision. Fans will hope Liverpool’s confidence in beating Arsenal to his signature is well-founded.
Milos Kerkez’s name will excite those who have watched him develop into a top-tier left-back at Bournemouth. With Robertson’s form waning and Tsimikas sidelined, many fans believe now is the perfect time to bring in a younger, more dynamic option. However, the $52 million price tag remains a sticking point that might divide opinions in the Kop.
Some supporters, though, may still question the club’s recruitment strategy. Why was the summer window so subdued if the need for depth was always evident? Injuries to key players like Konaté highlight how thin the squad can get in a congested season, and January may already feel like a race against time to correct oversights.
Ultimately, fans will back Slot if these signings materialise. Zubimendi and Kerkez both represent the type of smart, future-proof acquisitions Liverpool need to stay competitive at the highest level. The coming weeks will reveal whether Liverpool can navigate the complexities of the January market to deliver on Slot’s ambitions.
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