Liverpool’s summer transfer window of 2025 promises to be a whole lot more exciting than the one that preceded it.
Despite the arrival of Arne Slot after nine years of Jurgen Klopp, the Reds did virtually nothing in the 2024 market.
Federico Chiesa arrived, with a deal also sorted for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili ahead of time. Otherwise, Liverpool were deathly quiet.
That was not necessarily for a lack of trying, however. Having identified the midfield as being in need of an extra body, Arne Slot pushed hard to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
But having been put under pressure to stay by his boyhood club, Zubimendi rejected Liverpool. Almost one year on, and news broke on Saturday that the 26-year-old is set to join Arsenal.
Although Liverpool fans are not bothered about Zubimendi’s move, there remains frustration that the Reds never made an alternative signing to the Spaniard. But with the transfer saga finally coming to an end, it has already been revealed which player formed Liverpool’s ideal back-up plan.
Photo By Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images
Photo By Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images
Angelo Stiller was in Liverpool’s sights
When Slot first arrived and took a look at the Liverpool squad in pre-season, it is clear why he wanted Zubimendi. Unconvinced by Wataru Endo, the head coach felt his team needed more of a ball-playing central midfielder.
Liverpool have been trying to solve this problem for years, having failed in moves to sign Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo before landing on Endo. Although it is worth noting that perhaps neither would have offered what Slot was looking for.
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Zubimendi clearly did. And after the Euro 2024 winner said ‘no’ to Liverpool, Slot and the recruitment team reportedly decided that nobody else fitted the bill.
Except, as was revealed earlier this May, that was not the complete truth. Eight months on from Zubimendi’s rejection, it was reported that Liverpool considered a move for Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller last summer.
🚨 Arsenal agree deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, here we go! ❤️🤍
Zubimendi has now verbally agreed to sign a long term deal… so formal steps must follow soon with Arsenal to trigger €60m clause.
Zubi, ready to become the first signing of the new season. pic.twitter.com/yzYJOydstE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 10, 2025
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READ MORE: Liverpool growing worried over Ibrahima Konate future as Man City and Chelsea register interest
The Reds are said to have thought about an approach for Stiller after learning that Zubimendi would be staying put.
Although they seemingly decided not to bid for the Germany international, Liverpool have been linked with Stiller ahead of this summer’s window.
Will Liverpool sign Angelo Stiller?
It’s easy to see why Liverpool would want to sign Stiller. The 24-year-old has developed into an excellent midfielder after leaving Bayern Munich in 2021.
Appearances Minutes Goals Assists Pass Accuracy Duels Won Tackles Won
Angelo Stiller 31 2,727 1 8 89.9% 57.5% 55.1%
Martin Zubimendi 32 2,689 2 1 84.1% 57.9% 52.9%
Angelo Stiller vs Martin Zubimendi Bundesliga/La Liga 2024/25
We have previously put Stiller forward as an ideal signing to play back-up to Ryan Gravenberch and we still believe that to be the case.
Stiller reportedly has a £34m release clause in his contract and if Liverpool do still fancy bringing a new midfielder in, they’d do very well to find better for cheaper.
Nevertheless, The Athletic have reported that the Reds are no longer prioritising a midfield signing this year.
With left-back and striker much more pressing matters, it seems Liverpool’s energy will be channelled elsewhere. If they do decide to buy in the middle of the pitch, though, Stiller would look like a good bet to be the choice.