Liverpool’s Martin Zubimendi alternative finally revealed as Reds weigh up ‘incredible’ midfielder

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Given the way the subsequent season panned out, Liverpool’s summer transfer window of 2024 was ultimately a roaring success.

Despite constant calls from supporters for the Reds to be busy, Arne Slot and Richard Hughes barely did anything at all.

Whether by mistake or design it does not matter, Liverpool went on to win the Premier League at a canter, proving that the squad at Slot’s disposal did not need all that much tinkering after all.

One thing the Liverpool recruitment team did try and do, however, was bring a new midfielder through the door.

Martin Zubimendi was on the verge of joining before the 25-year-old decided to stay with Real Sociedad at the 11th hour.

After being rejected by Zubimendi, the line from the press was that Liverpool had wanted only the Spaniard and as a result had no alternative to him. But, nine months on from the saga ended, that has now been revealed not to be the case.

Liverpool considered move for Angelo Stiller

After Liverpool tried so hard to get Zubimendi, it was clear that Slot felt he needed something different in midfield.

Consequently, Liverpool were linked with plenty of players who fit the profile, from Atalanta’s Ederson to – most strongly – Alan Varela at Porto.

Time and again the line came back that it was Zubimendi or no-one. But according to a new report from The Athletic, Liverpool did actually think about a move for Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller.

They claim that Stiller was ‘considered’ after Zubimendi’s U-turn, but the Reds decided to push on with what they already had instead.

READ MORE: President confirms Liverpool can still sign Martin Zubimendi for £50m as Arsenal lead race

With the 24-year-old having another good season with Stuttgart, Liverpool have been linked with Stiller again recently.

However, The Athletic claim that with Liverpool keen to keep hold of Wataru Endo – and ready to give Stefan Bajcetic a chance in pre-season – midfield is not a priority for this summer.

Liverpool must reignite Stiller interest

Here at Rousing The Kop, we have been extolling the virtues of Stiller for quite some time. The Germany international does look like the kind of midfielder Liverpool need. Stiller has been described as ‘incredible‘ and is only getting better.

Having target Zubimendi so strongly last summer, it seems bizarre that the Reds would now decide this is not a priority despite having not signed a new player in the meantime.

Bajcetic could be the answer, of course, but the 20-year-old is still young and there remain question marks over his fitness record.

Ryan Gravenberch has done brilliantly in a deeper lying role, but both he and Alexis Mac Allister have played a lot of football this season. If either gets injured, Slot does not have an appropriate alternative.

Stiller can be that player. With a release clause woven into his new contract at Stuttgart, the former Bayern Munich prospect is available and should not cost the earth. Liverpool clearly like him, and they should reignite their interest this summer.