‘Physical’ defensive midfielder would be an even better signing than Joao Palhinha for Liverpool

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As the January transfer window speeds into view, the Liverpool rumour mill is whirring into life.

On the agenda this time – for supporters at least – should be a centre-back and if at all possible, a defensive midfielder.

Right now, those are the two positions that could glaringly do with upgrading for Liverpool. Bring the right players in there, and a Premier League title challenge can surely be sustained.

Putting aside the centre-back for a while – although we’d love to see someone like Leny Yoro pursued – the most obvious upgrade for the Reds needs to be in the No.6 position.

With that in mind, links have continued to surface for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha. Only today, German journalist Christian Falk has claimed that Liverpool are worrying fellow suitors Bayern Munich as they firm up their interest in Palhinha.

The Reds’ determination to enter the race for the 28-year-old has reportedly forced Bayern to look at different options. From our point of view, Liverpool should follow where the German’s gaze is said to have fallen.

Palhinha not the only answer

Instead of Palhinha, it’s claimed that Bayern are taking a look at signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Still only 24, Zubimendi is much more in the age-bracket that Liverpool are usually looking for.

If Bayern see the Spain international as a potential alternative to Palhinha, then there’s no reason for the Reds not to follow suit.

One complication could be that Zubimendi has plenty of other admirers elsewhere. Arsenal have long been rumoured to be in for the Sociedad academy graduate, while Barcelona are regularly credited with an interest, too.

Indeed Barca manager Xavi has been keen to publicly praise Zubimendi, calling him a ‘more physical and faster’ version of Spain legend Sergio Busquets [Sportskeeda].

To our eye, the Spaniard is a little more similar to Xabi Alonso, with his game underpinned by a superb passing range.

With Jurgen Klopp seemingly keen to play with a slightly less traditional No.6 in his new-look team, Zubimendi would fit the bill.

He and Palhinha are very different players interpreting a similar position on the pitch. But for the way Klopp looks like he wants to take things, we’d have the Sociedad man down as a better fit. Liverpool should be exploring how they can beat Bayern and get him to Anfield.