Liverpool and Arne Slot were handed a major blow in recent days as Martin Zubimendi decided to snub the interest from the Merseyside club in favour of staying at Real Sociedad. The failed transfer has hindered the plans of the Premier League giants massively, who now must alter their approach to mount a serious challenge in the upcoming Premier League season.
Extraordinarily, Liverpool is yet to sign a player in the 2024 summer transfer window. Arne Slot already has a big task on his hands to carry forward the legacy of Jurgen Klopp and will now have to at least start the league campaign without any of his desired targets. Nevertheless, the six-time European champions have been handed a boost with a long-term target from the Bundesliga expressing his desire to leave.
Also Read: Jamie Carragher criticizes Liverpool’s transfer strategies, praises Jurgen Klopp
Manu Kone of Borussia Mönchengladbach has informed the club that he intends to leave the club in the summer according to the reliable German reporter, Florian Plettenberg. The 23-year-old was close to joining Liverpool in 2023 and will undoubtedly be on the radar again. Kone’s ambition to play internationally has led him to ask Mönchengladbach to put him on the transfer list with the club demanding €25 million for his services.
Liverpool’s dire need for a holding midfielder
The majority of Liverpool’s troubles in the past two seasons can be attributed to the absence of a natural holding midfielder, capable of organising play as well as being a ball-winner. Consequently, the club was expected to strengthen that position in the summer but supporters have been disappointed with the lack of effort by the management. Arne Slot has tried various combinations for this issue in the pre-season including a double pivot of Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch.
Martin Zubimendi would have been the ideal candidate for Liverpool to address the defensive midfield issue. The club, though, needs to move forward from the refusal. Manu Kone is a more than potent enough alternative who can prove to be a game-changer in the midfield at Anfield. It will not be a surprise to see the player move to Merseyside in the coming weeks.