Report: Liverpool target top Spanish midfielder to bolster Slot’s midfield | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Jauregizar as Slot Seeks Midfield Balance

Scouting for Steel and Style

Liverpool’s midfield rebuild may still be incomplete. Despite the promise shown by Ryan Gravenberch, and the short-term utility of Wataru Endo, there remains an itch to scratch – a desire for a more traditional ball-winner. As reported by Bence Bocsak of Anfield Watch, Liverpool’s search for a defensive midfield lynchpin has led them to one of Spain’s emerging stars. “Anfield Watch understands the club’s official are still keen to add a midfield destroyer to Arne Slot’s ranks.”

That destroyer? Mikel Jauregizar.

It’s a name that might not have widespread recognition among Premier League followers just yet, but within the corridors of Kirkby, it appears to be near the top of the summer wishlist. “Anfield Watch can exclusively reveal that at the top of the list of holding midfielder targets for Liverpool this summer is Mikel Jauregizar.”

Jauregizar’s Rise in Bilbao

The 21-year-old has had a breakout season with Athletic Bilbao, clocking 44 appearances and driving their impressive Europa League run to the semi-finals. What sets him apart isn’t just potential — it’s performance. His metrics speak to a player already operating at an elite level defensively.

Beyond the Numbers – A Gerrard-esque Flair?

There’s also flair to his game. Not content with disrupting opposition play, Jauregizar is equally capable in possession. As Bocsak notes, he’s “technically gifted” and can “create chances for his teammates from a deep lying position.” His long-range strike at Old Trafford, a “Steven Gerrard-esque pile driver,” only reinforces that he’s far more than a one-dimensional midfield stopper.

Photo: IMAGO

That dual threat — control and chaos — is something Liverpool’s midfield has missed since the early days of Fabinho. Endo has experience and effort, but not the mobility or creativity. Gravenberch has technical ability and flair but not the bite. Jauregizar might offer both.

Transfers Hinged on Squad Movement

Of course, financial flexibility is always a concern, especially with decisions looming on Luis Díaz and Ibrahima Konaté. As Anfield Watch notes, “Liverpool are yet to make important decisions on the futures of the likes of Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz, which will determine just how much of a budget Hughes will have left to spend.”

But if movement happens, and if the club can shift its chess pieces effectively, Jauregizar could be the one major signing that defines Arne Slot’s first summer.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s always a name that flies under the radar before lighting up Anfield. Mikel Jauregizar might just be that figure. Slot wants control. He wants his midfield to be an engine room — one that stops counters, wins second balls, and pushes forward with composure. Jauregizar brings that blend in a way no current squad member quite manages. Endo’s aging, Bajcetic is still raw, and Alexis Mac Allister — brilliant as he is — has been miscast too deep at times.

One fan might look at this report and say: “We’ve had enough of missing out — Caicedo, Tchouaméni, Bellingham. This one feels gettable. Let’s not wait for him to become a £100m man elsewhere.” That’s the lesson of the market — spot talent before it becomes unaffordable. If Liverpool act now, Jauregizar could become the heartbeat of Slot’s Anfield evolution.