Liverpool’s full focus during the summer transfer window was bringing a new number six to the club.
The Reds were all in on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi being Arne Slot’s first Liverpool signing as the Dutch coach could see the Merseyside outfit were short in this area of the pitch.
Liverpool would proceed with activating the release clause in Zubimendi’s Sociedad contract, however, the Euro 2024 winner opted to remain in his home country for another season.
There was hope that the Reds would make another move for the 25-year-old in 2025 but that was dealt a major blow this month, as Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Missing out on the midfielder proved to be a blessing in disguise for Slot as that encouraged Ryan Gravenberch to step up in the number six role.
The Dutch talent has impressed former Reds forward John Aldridge, but the Liverpool pundit still believes the Premier League leaders should sign a new star this month.
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John Aldridge believes three areas in the Liverpool squad need addressing
Aldridge has admitted that he has been impressed by Gravenberch this season at Anfield as the midfielder has made the number six position his own and has continued to thrive under Slot’s guidance.
However, the former Reds star still believes the Premier League leaders shouldn’t rest on their laurels and should sign players in January for three areas of concern.
“Ryan Gravenberch has saved the owners a lot of money this season. He has saved them a fortune! They were prepared to bring Martin Zubimendi in and spend a lot on him,” Aldridge said while writing for the Liverpool Echo.
“For it to work out how it has for them has been a bonus. But I’ll say it again, before the end of January, I do think that we need to bring someone in.
“If we bring someone in to feel his feet before next season, who is already as good as what we’ve got, then go and buy him. Whether it’s a full-back, an out-and-out goalscorer or a superb midfielder.”
Gravenberch has featured in every Premier League and Champions League match for Liverpool this season, therefore, it is evident that another number six is needed.
As for the other areas of concern, the Reds are likely to wait until the summer to address them, although Aldridge’s point about bringing them in now is a valid one.
The areas of concern in Arne Slot’s Liverpool squad
Starting with the number six role, it seems Slot is not the biggest Wataru Endo fan and a player Liverpool could sign is Aurelian Tchouameni as it is believed that Real Madrid could be open to selling the French star at the end of the season.
The biggest concern in Slot’s current squad is at left-back due to the recent form of Andy Robertson. Liverpool are interested in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and could make a move in the summer as a January deal is very unlikely.
Darwin Nunez has been linked to Saudi Arabia this month as the Uruguayan has struggled at Anfield this season.
It remains to be seen what the future holds for the striker at Anfield but should the 25-year-old depart at the end of the season, someone will have to replace him ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
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