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And Ekitike, the latest striking sensation to emerge from Frankfurt’s finishing school.

But while Carragher argues that Liverpool need a more goal-heavy midfielder too – Arne Slot’s version of a Cole Palmer or a Phil Foden – there is also an argument to be made about the addition of a defensively-minded, tempo-setting number six.

Though whether the Martin Zubimendi ship has sailed, at this point, remains to be seen.

Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images

As the extremely-reliable David Ornstein explained a few weeks ago, Liverpool may resist any temptation to return for Zubimendi this summer.

The Real Sociedad ace famously rebuffed Liverpool’s advances in 2024, opting to stay in San Sebastian for another year.

And while a departure now feels more likely than ever nearly 12 months on, Arsenal appear to be leading the chase for Zubimendi with Liverpool expected to focus on alternative targets in an array of different positions.

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Speaking to Noticias de Gipuzkoa this week, Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay is under no illusions that the Euro 2024 champion will have plenty of options again come the summer.

He also confirms that the £50 million release clause in his contract remains.

But, just like a year ago, the final decision will rest with Zubimendi himself.

“We’ll see what happens.

“If he wants to continue the conversation, it will last five minutes.”

Of course, Liverpool could still return for Zubimendi – who former La Real teammate Kieran Tierney labelled a ‘world-class’ talent – if Wataru Endo departs on the back of a season spent largely on the substitute’s bench.

“I went on vacation, and [Liverpool’s offer] caught me by surprise,” Zubimendi explained back in December.
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