Liverpool boss Arne Slot is expected to be busy in the January transfer window as he chases the Premier League title in 2025.
The Reds have stormed to the top of the EPL rankings in the opening months of the 2024/25 season, with just one league loss so far, and a nine-point lead at the summit.
However, despite the impressive performances of his squad, Slot knows the demands of a long campaign will require reinforcements in his options.
Alongside the potential for free transfer exits, with no firm update on renewals for Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Dutch coach is also planning for the longer term at Anfield.
As per reports from Teamtalk.com, Slot has highlighted two names as priorities in January, one of whom who has already rejected a move to Merseyside.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi opted against joining Slot’s side back in August, as he wanted to remain with his boyhood club, but the situation has reportedly since changed in San Sebastian.
Despite Slot’s previous comments on the door being closed on a move for the Spain international, his release clause remains set at £51m ($65m) if Liverpool make a renewed offer.
The EPL giants were willing to activate the clause ahead of the 2024/25 campaign but the misgivings over a change fell on Zubimendi’s shoulders.
La Real are not actively looking to sell the 25-year-old, but they will be forced to watch on if the clause is re-activated, and Liverpool make another charm offensive towards the Basque playmaker.
The other rumoured target for Slot is Bournemouth’s highly-rated left-back Milos Kerkez, who is rated at around £40m ($50m) as part of a succession plan for Andy Robertson.
Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas are the two current options for Slot, but he wants at least two players for each position, and the former Feyenoord coach is ready to battle Manchester United for the Hungary international.