Sport
Every pre-season is always the same. Supporters are starved of football to watch or transfer news to obsess over, but remain desperate for something to grab onto and get them through until the season starts. Videos will be posted on social media of their club’s manager overseeing a training drill; the players, as they should, hang on every word.
The clip is shared throughout the community with to the tune of compliments complimenting the manager on his ‘aura’ and his this season will be theirs. This is a natural part of being a football fan; after all, what is life without hope? And when better to be hopeful than the start of the new season?
This ritual is arguably more common when there’s change at a club, particularly in the dugout. At Liverpool, all eyes have been on Arne Slot since he began work as Jurgen Klopp’s successor. Following arguably the most influential and popular manager at the club since Bob Paisley is a thankless task, but he’ll need all the positivity and backing he can get if he is to sink rather than swim in that testing environment.
And the changes at Anfield have slowed progress down in the way fans are most invested, the transfer market. Klopp’s departure led to a shift in the power structure, with Michael Edwards returning in a more senior position than he had as sporting director, working with Klopp before his departure in 2022. Richard Hughes, who arrived from Bournemouth, is in his former role. That has led to a slower than usual operation in the market, but with Profit and Sustainability Rules coming with a real deterrent these days, that has been Premier League-wide.
While in the USA on pre-season, Slot said he expected movement on incomings.
“We already have a very good team I’m already really happy with,” said Slot.
“But it would be a surprise for all of us I think, if we don’t bring any player in. So that will probably happen in the end.
“For now, we are just waiting for the players to come back and waiting for the right ones to sign.”
Reports suggest that the Reds are in the market for a ‘number 6’ type midfielder, somebody who can set the tone for their attacking, dominant style under Slot. It follows the retirement of Thiago Alcántara this summer, while Wataru Endo offered some solidity in that position last season, if not the same level of dynamism in his play.
The man they want is Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. The midfielder who replaced Rodri in the final of Euro 2024 as Spain beat England is a wanted man and has a £51m release clause in his contract. He was imperious, stepping into the boots of the best in the world and creating a name for himself. Reports suggest that Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal for the player.
It could be the first time Liverpool have had a midfielder of that ilk regularly for some time. Thiago endured a lot of injury issues after joining from Bayern Munich, and most of the time Klopp was in charge, his midfielders were characterised by energy, intensity and pressing. Chance creation and tempo setting often came from other areas.
Dominating midfield and being able to slow the tempo of matches, building up through the middle of the pitch, is one of the key differences between Slot and Klopp’s philosophies. They share a love of high lines, so the defence is easily adapted, and there are plenty of creative players in more advanced areas. Zubimendi could be the difference maker that can take Liverpool to a new level.
In so many ways, Klopp has left Liverpool ready to challenge. But there is room to grow and develop. Arsenal and Manchester City are there to be caught; it’ll be difficult but signing a new ‘tempo setting’ midfielder like Zubimendi would be a huge step forward.
