Liverpool DM target!

Liverpool fans have been patiently but nervously waiting for some news on the defensive midfielder front all summer. And when I saw this post pop up from Fab, I did the Gordon Ramsey “finally, some good fucking food” in my head.

Romano says the Reds are targeting Real Sociedad DM Martin Zubimendi, who has a €60m release clause. He was very durable last year, appearing in 31 league matches, with 5 of his missed games coming in a row right at the start of the season. He’s a solid all-around DM who makes positive contributions in ball-winning, carrying and passing, though he doesn’t appear to be truly world class at any of them.

Zubimendi’s two best qualities from Liverpool’s perspective are that he 1. doesn’t have any glaring weaknesses, and 2. is very good at avoiding shit turnovers. I liked this clip from friends of the program The Anfield Wrap discussing Liverpool’s profile for a DM, which Zubimendi fits well, despite only being 5’10”.

The price might scare some people off — €60m sure sounds like a lot for a DM who isn’t obviously world class at any particular skill — but there are a few things to consider here.

First is that there’s going to be a negotiation; Liverpool will not necessarily pay that much. I’d expect there to be some incentives, like a bonus for making CL or Zubimendi appearing in X number of games. Second is that the market for plug-and-play defensive midfielders is pretty bad at the moment, just behind center forwards in scarcity and importance for Champions League knockout level teams. Third, this position is Liverpool’s only truly glaring need, and the potential difference between them competing for trophies or not this season.

I want to dig a little deeper into Zubimendi before I decide whether or not he’s the DM for Liverpool, and if he’s worth a fee in the neighborhood of €60m. I’m not sure on first glance. But I’m fine with the general concept of Liverpool spending their entire transfer budget on a prime age DM, and Zubimendi passes the smell test as a candidate for that.

—KM

News and rumours

• Barcelona are close to securing Dani Olmo for €55m + €7m in add-ons. He’s a very good player, but I’m not sure how much he improves Barca? Does he give them much that they didn’t already have? I guess his ability to play as a 10 or wide forward is a nice plus, but this does not feel like money well spent for a team with severe financial limitations.

• We’ve got some stuff for the American readers today. If you’re an America hater, simply skip to bullet point No. 4. USMNT midfielder Weston McKinnie has been told to get lost by Juventus, and Fiorentina are interested. However, Wes doesn’t really want to take a pay cut, so Juve might need to pay him off to get rid of him. This smells like loan with purchase clause if an objective is met to me.

• I have been wondering how the heck Atlético Madrid can afford Alexander Sorloth and Julian Alvarez if they don’t get Antoine Griezmann off their books. Turns out, they probably know they’re getting him off their books. He’s determined to seal a move to Los Angeles FC in MLS, which feels perfect.

• Atléti are also in talks to sign midfielder Javi Guerra from Valencia for €25m, so I imagine we’ll hear news of more outgoings soon?

• This summer has been heavy on Saudi rumours, but pretty light on actual Saudi transfers. Aston Villa getting their bailout package has got other fanbases huffing the hopium, though. Spurs and Man United could be the beneficiaries, with Richarlison and Antony both linked to KSA moves.

• Coventry expect to contend for promotion for the Championship this year, but their fans won’t be thrilled to learn that all the big Dutch clubs are trying to sign their right back Milan van Ewijk. ESPN Netherlands didn’t cite a price, but a few days before Coventry’s season starts, I imagine the response will be “ga weg.”

• West Ham and Brighton are reportedly doing battle over 35-year-old Mats Hummels, who was still decent last year. He’d be a nice pickup on a one-year deal on a free, though I’m sure the signing on and agent fee won’t be cheap.

• Canada defensive midfielder Simi Awujo has signed for Manchester United women on a free, after she decided to leave the University of Southern California. She’ll probably be a relatively direct replacement for Katie Zelem, whose contract expired a month ago.

• Gianluca di Marzio says that Chelsea are out for Victor Osimhen and PSG are favorites, but ARSENAL ARE NOT GIVING UP. I’d take that with a grain of salt… or an entire salt mine. But you can make fun of us when he’s wearing red if you want.

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