Liverpool make decision on midfielder hunt after Martin Zubimendi snub: Reports
Liverpool are allegedly unlikely to continue their search for a midfielder after Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi rejected a summer switch.
The Reds, who are yet to sign a new player this summer, earmarked Zubimendi as a top midfield target earlier this month. However, the 25-year-old Spaniard recently decided to remain at his boyhood club.
Now, according to The Times reporter Paul Joyce, Liverpool could end their pursuit of a number six option after failing to sign Zubimendi. The Reds believe that they have good depth in the centre of the park now.
Liverpool, who appointed Arne Slot as their new head coach earlier in May, deem Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones as potential holding midfielders. They are also aware of Trent Alexander-Arnold's ability of playing in midfield and feel that Trey Nyoni is also a viable option.
The Merseyside outfit will open their 2024-25 campaign with a league clash at Ipswich Town on Saturday (August 17). They registered four victories and just one draw in five pre-season matches this summer.
21-year-old offers reason for Liverpool exit
Earlier this Monday (August 12), Brentford lured attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho away from Liverpool in a potential £27.5 million move.
Speaking to his new club's media team, the Portuguese opened up on his reasons of leaving the Anfield outfit to move to Brentford. He said:
"It feels amazing, I'm so excited to be here. I've had a really warm welcome and I can't thank everyone who has been involved in making this happen enough. I spoke to the manager [Thomas Frank] and, from the first conversation that we had, I just knew I was going to come in and be excited about playing for the club, coming in every day and working with him."
Carvalho, who netted three goals in 21 games for Liverpool, continued:
"I just want to play football now and to do that in the best league in the world. As a player, you want to go somewhere where you're wanted and somewhere where you're loved, that's why I'm here. You want to be part of a family, part of a structure, and that's what Brentford is about. I'm just so happy to be here."
Last season, Carvalho made 15 overall appearances for RB Leipzig on loan before joining Hull City earlier in January. The 21-year-old scored nine goals and laid out two assists in 20 total matches for the Tigers.