The summer transfer window hasn’t officially opened yet, but Liverpool’s 2025 market is already proving more enticing than Arne Slot ’s first off-season at Anfield.
Jeremie Frimpong is set to join the Reds soon - it’s a matter of when, not if - Florian Wirtz could join him from Bayer Leverkusen soon, and Milos Kerkez is also reportedly in talks with Liverpool. In addition, there are now claims that Hugo Ekitike could be on his way to Merseyside, a transfer that would address the biggest flaw in the title-winning squad from this season.
Compare that to last summer when, apart from the late moves for Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa, the only real transfer saga was that of Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish midfielder ultimately opted to remain at Real Sociedad, much to the disappointment of Liverpool fans and Slot.
The Dutchman ultimately solved Liverpool’s midfield conundrum. Ryan Gravenberch ’s reassignment to a holding role was inspired and provided the Reds with the balance he felt the side needed. It gave the team a platform from which it went on to win the title.
Gravenberch’s form was faultless through the autumn and winter months as Liverpool hoovered up points. It wasn’t until the spring that any cracks began to show - and that was partly down to fatigue, something Slot has even acknowledged.
The 23-year-old’s form dipped from March onwards, as did Liverpool’s results. It was no coincidence. And were it not for the Reds' excellent start and huge lead, the end of the campaign would not have been so devoid of drama.
The weak performances at the Parc des Princes, Wembley, and Craven Cottage in March and April underlined the fragilities that had emerged in what was previously a watertight midfield.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal looks set to sign Zubimendi this summer. (Image: Cesar Ortiz/Soccrates/Getty Images)
In all three, Liverpool was bullied in midfield and was incapable of possession in key areas. What lacked was a semblance of control from the base of midfield; the ability to slow the game down and kill momentum by retaining possession.
For all his qualities, Gravenberch still doesn’t always look like a natural no.6. He loves to drive from deep and often takes up positions deep in the opposition half when Liverpool is on the ball.
In those moments, missing out on Zubimendi felt costly. A midfield metronome, the 26-year-old’s calmness, composure and ability to circulate possession would have unquestionably helped.
It’s why some felt returning for the Sociedad star could make sense this summer. A reported £51 million ($69M) release clause also seems like the sort of straightforward deal that would appeal to the Reds, as was the case with Frimpong.
Arne Slot
Slot has opted against pursuing a move for Zubimendi. (Image: AP)
However, that is not the case, with widespread reports claiming Zubimendi is now Arsenal-bound.
Whether Liverpool is wary of being burnt twice, thinks the position doesn’t need strengthening, or has identified a preference in that role is unclear, but for a second summer in a row, the midfielder won’t be the solution to one specific Liverpool issue.
But it does suggest that Slot feels the next stage of his midfield evolution will not involve a new fulcrum, but perhaps adding more energy and dynamism via Dominik Szoboszlai dropping into a deeper role, as was the case in the penultimate match of the season at Brighton & Hove Albion. A move for Wirtz, who plays primarily as a no.10, would also suggest that.
The big question is whether Slot will come to rue not pushing to purchase Zubimendi. Other names have been mentioned such as Angelo Stiller at Stuttgart, yet he lacks the status of the soon-to-be Arsenal man.
It means that in all the excitement over Liverpool’s early moves in the market, it may have missed out on one crucial summer signing.