Arne Slot reveals Martin Zubimendi transfer plan after Liverpool SNUB | OneFootball

After missing out on Martin Zubimendi in the summer, Liverpool have had to adapt, but while Ryan Gravenberch is excelling in his new role, Slot has not ruled out any future midfield additions

Looking towards a more fluid midfield, with personnel being charged to play hybrid roles, the Reds’ new approach to the No6 role has allowed Ryan Gravenberch to express himself as a fully-backed defensive midfielder.

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As a result of Wataru Endo not finding favour with the new boss, and following a tactical tweak to play two players in a midfield double-pivot, Alexis Mac Allister has been given more licence to get on the ball and Gravenberch has brushed away the cobwebs from last season, showing what he’s capable of.

However, with more defined roles for Liverpool’s midfielders, as Dominik Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott are now considered attacking midfielders, Curtis Jones, Endo, Mac Allister and Gravenberch have been left to battle for the other two spots.

But, following Gravenberch’s impressive start to the season making him one of the first names on the team sheet, some have said that Liverpool’s search for a new defensive midfielder may now be over.

Arne Slot disagrees.

Liverpool’s search for fresh midfield additions continues

In his pre-match press conference for Bournemouth's visit to Anfield on Saturday, Arne Slot made it clear that greater competition for places would not have impacted Gravenberch’s development.

He said: “It is not that much of one holding midfielder, it is a bit more two - and one of those two can be a bit more attacking.”

Liverpool had hoped to bring in Zubimendi from Real Sociedad this summer, but talks collapsed following a lack of agreement on personal terms with the player.

However, rumours have sparked this week that the midfielder may be regretting his decision.

Slot added: “If I could have bought him (Zubimendi) then maybe I could have rotated a bit more and you guys (the media) would be a lot more happy about it! But there is no point talking about Zubimendi any more because he stayed with Real Sociedad and we've moved on and we are really happy with Ryan.

“But a club like ours should always try to bring in good players who can help the team to win because it is going to be a long season and therefore you need a lot of good players.”

While the Reds are progressing well under Arne Slot, with four wins and one loss from their club’s opening five games, Richard Hughes' opportunistic transfer strategy may result in Zubimendi talks re-opening, should the player give reason to suggest he’d be open to the move again.

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