James Pearce has ruled out a potential alternative to Martin Zubimendi on Tuesday after Monday evenings bombshell news.
Many Reds fans started to imagine the Euro 2024 winner at the base of midfield, and at last a response to Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Manchester City’s Declan Rice.
An argument can be made that the Anfield club have not yet replaced the quality that Fabinho possessed in his pomp, and with the competition in the Premier League only becoming fiercer, it is starting to be become a legitimate worry.
The Real Sociedad midfielder was believed to be a keen on the switch to Anfield despite having rejected both Bayern Munich and Arsenal in recent years.
Negotiations between Liverpool and Zubimendi dragged on for about two weeks before the player is said to have informed Richard Hughes of his intention to remain at Real Sociedad.
To try to persuade the 25-year-old to stay put, the La Liga team launched a charm offensive in response to Liverpool’s interest, including offering a new deal on better terms.
It came as a bitter blow to Reds fans and surely the recruitment staff as well, with the 25-year-old seen as he No.1 target for such a crucial position at Anfield.
Now fans are becoming increasingly anxious about the club’s lack of activity as a result of this transfer failure.
The Reds have not made any significant signings, which has raised eyebrows given the need for squad reinforcements following last season’s challenges and the arrival of a new manager, Arne Slot.
What did James Pearce say about midfield options after Martin Zubimendi failure?
The big question now is whether the club will still make a ‘tier one’ signing at the base of midfield, with the Premier League opener against Ipswich Town now only four days away.
While Ryan Gravenberch has looked good as the deepest midfielder during pre-season, he is not a specialist in that position.
But according to James Pearce, it seems that Gravenberch will have to grow into the position as things stand.
Writing in the Transfer DealSheet, the Athletic journalist confirmed one linked player will not be in the club’s crosshairs for the final weeks of the transfer window:
“Wataru Endo has struggled to adapt to Slot’s more possession-based approach.”
“Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai have also played there but they are all more effective further forward.”
“Ryan Gravenberch has shown signs of promise in that deeper role but it would be a leap of faith to believe he is the long-term answer.”
“Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes has been touted as a possible alternative to Zubimendi but senior Liverpool sources, kept anonymous to protect relationships, are adamant they have no interest in the Brazilian.”
The Newcastle United man would have always been an expensive option, so it makes sense why the club is steering well clear.
It then begs the question as to who exactly will be brought in to reinforce and area that can be considered a ‘glaring hole’ in the side.
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