Liverpool missed out on signing Martin Zubimendi last summer, but the Reds are back in the market for an upgrade on the Arsenal-bound star in 2025, FootballTransfers can confirm.
The Reds saw Zubimendi opt to stay with Real Sociedad rather than move to Anfield 12 months ago, and now the Spain international star will sign for Arsenal in a deal exclusively reported by FootballTransfers.
Liverpool are exploring other options and have pinpointed Athletic Club’s Mikel Jauregizar as their man. In conjunction with Anfield Watch, FootballTransfers can reveal that the 21-year-old is top of the club’s transfer shortlist.
The club’s scouts have been impressed by his performances this season and see him as the ideal candidate to bring to Anfield in order to become the disruptor in Slot’s midfield.
Jauregizar has become a pivotal player for Athletic Bilbao this season, despite his age.
The Spain U21 international has made 44 appearances at club level and played a key role in his side reaching the semi-final of the Europa League.
It’s believed he’s ready to make the next step in his career and he’s seen as a profile who would not only be able to bring much needed ball-winning qualities to Slot’s side but also contribute going forward – something Wataru Endo doesn’t necessarily provide.
Jauregizar vs LaLiga midfielders: Overall performance (2024/25)
Mikel Jauregizar: A player built for the Premier League
Jauregizar is technically gifted and he’s capable of line-breaking passes and creating chances for his teammates from a deep lying position.
As he showed at Old Trafford in the Europa League, he can also score goals from long-distance – sending a Steven Gerrard-esque pile driver into the top corner of the net.
It’s the defensive side of the game that stands out about Jauregizar the most though. He averages more tackles and interceptions (4.68 per 90) than Gravenberch (3.75 per 90) and Zubimendi (3.65 per 90) while also making more recoveries (5.92 per 90) as per FBref.
His physical attributes, ability to cover a lot of distances combined with his technical qualities have very much put him as Liverpool’s top midfield target for the summer.
The club are ready to make a move for him but a lot will depend on potential outgoings and incomings as well.
At this moment in time, 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 on a midfielder.
Nonetheless, Jauregizar is a name to keep an eye on with the club’s scouts regarding him as a special midfielder.
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