Why Liverpool’s January Window Holds the Key to Trophy Glory | OneFootball

Why Liverpool Must Act Now: Zubimendi and the Perils of Waiting

I don’t like it but I think they will you know. Liverpool’s resurgence this season has been a joy to watch, with the club sitting top of the Premier League and leading the charge in the Champions League. Yet, despite this commanding position, questions linger about whether the club will take advantage of the January transfer window to strengthen. Martín Zubimendi, Real Sociedad’s highly-rated midfielder, appears to be the one they want and there’s a growing sense Liverpool may wait until summer for him. Such hesitation could prove costly though and that’s the worry.

Photo: IMAGO

January Can Be a Game-Changer

Critics of the January window often dismiss it as a “difficult market,” but history tells a different story. Liverpool have thrived in January before, securing the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Luis Suárez, and Luis Díaz mid-season. Each transformed the trajectory of the team, ensuring that opportunities didn’t slip away.

This January, Liverpool have a chance to bolster their midfield from a position of strength. Signing a Zubimendi alternative now would not only address a key area but also send a strong message to rivals. Building while on top is the hallmark of champions, and delaying until summer risks undermining the momentum already in place.

Roberto Olabe’s Verdict

Real Sociedad’s sporting director, Roberto Olabe, has poured cold water on hopes of a January deal. Speaking recently, Olabe said:

“Zubimendi has a release clause, yes… but it’s always the player to decide, and he’s been showing how committed he is to our project. So far, we’ve seen how he has behaved, and I don’t predict any ‘scares’ in January for Zubimendi to leave.”

These comments suggest that Sociedad are confident in retaining their star player—at least until summer. He isn’t the only midfielder Liverpool could get though. If not midfeld, why not sort out the left side of defence problem now?

Zubimendi’s Remarks Won’t Inspire Confidence

The midfielder himself hasn’t exactly set hearts racing among Liverpool fans with his recent comments. Speaking to El Diario Vasco, Zubimendi shared his thoughts on staying at Sociedad:

“I don’t believe in ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunities. If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush.”

Photo: IMAGO

He added:

“I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club’s project. I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take. It wasn’t that hard of a decision.”

For Liverpool supporters, this lack of urgency is concerning. If Zubimendi wasn’t swayed last summer, what guarantees are there that he’ll choose Anfield in six months? Waiting until the summer could leave Liverpool vulnerable to competition, driving up his price or losing him entirely. More importantly, they risk looking doubly foolish.

Missing Out Could Prove Costly

Zubimendi’s skill set—his defensive discipline, passing range, and ability to shield the backline—make him seem an ideal addition to Arne Slot’s midfield. At 25, he’s approaching his prime, but by summer, he’ll turn 26, an age slightly above Liverpool’s typical recruitment profile under FSG.

Moreover, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Liverpool have recovered brilliantly from last season, but their midfield remains an area in need of reinforcement. A signing like Zubimendi or another midfielder in January could be the difference between securing a major trophy and narrowly missing out. Who knows, it could be the difference between even more and nothing.

Liverpool have shown time and again the value of bold moves in January. With their current dominance, there’s no excuse for hesitation. If Zubimendi is truly their top target and they can’t get him, they can’t afford to wait and gamble in the summer. The time to act is now—before the opportunity slips away.