Could Joe Gomez’s Injury Prompt Liverpool to Revive Interest in Zubimendi? | OneFootball

Will Joe Gomez’s Injury Lead to the Signing of Zubimendi?

With the unfortunate injury to the resurgent England international Joe Gomez, it’s time to consider whether this situation, coinciding with the open January transfer window, will prompt Liverpool’s notorious Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, to access the FSG war chest and make an opportunistic signing to appease the fanbase. The fixtures will come thick and fast in early 2025, making the recruitment of a targeted player a sensible move for a team aiming for all four available trophies in the second half of the season.

Does Gomez’s Injury Indicate a Need for Another Defender?

It would be easy to assume that Gomez’s injury creates an immediate need for a similar defensive asset. However, this short-term approach contradicts the current hierarchy’s methods, particularly those of Sporting CEO Michael Edwards. Unless Gomez’s injury is deemed long-term, it is unlikely that the strategy for squad building will change drastically. With Conor Bradley and Kostas Tsimikas returning to first team training, the backup options are now available to support starting fullbacks Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. The return of these two squad players is further bolstered by Ibrahima Konaté’s availability, as confirmed by head coach Arne Slot. This means that alongside Virgil van Dijk and Jarell Quansah, the defensive lineup is almost at full capacity.

In a week, when the FA Cup third round match against Accrington Stanley takes place, there is a real possibility that the Reds’ tenacious midfielder, Wataru Endō, will be shifted into a central defensive role, just as he was in the recent EFL Cup quarter-final win against Southampton. Younger players such as Trey Nyoni, James McConnell, and Tyler Morton are also poised to move into the first team, allowing Endō to drop back slightly. Their likely inclusion for the upcoming FA Cup tie means that depth in the squad is indeed adequate, but this situation still opens the door for a potential new signing in January.

Who Could Be a Viable Candidate for Recruitment?

Given Wataru Endō’s versatility and defensive skills to add coverage at centre back, his lack of a regular starting role in midfield could pave the way for another signing. Despite the impressive emergence of Ryan Gravenberch at the base of Liverpool’s midfield, depending solely on his continued availability poses a risk in the Reds ongoing title challenge. After an unsuccessful summer attempt to sign Real Sociedad star Martín Zubimendi, it appears the Spanish international may now regret his decision to reject the Merseyside giants in August. While it was understandable for the player to remain loyal to his boyhood club at that time, circumstances may have shifted his professional ambitions.

Currently, the only significant injury issue at the AXA Training Centre is that of the 27-year-old utility defender, Joe Gomez. Although signing the 15-cap Spanish international Martín Zubimendi wouldn’t directly address the current defensive gap, it would align with pre-existing plans and enhance the overall depth of the squad. Although some fans may still be frustrated by Zubimendi’s initial refusal to join, his cautious decision held validity at the time. Ultimately, adding this talented midfielder would greatly enrich the squad, and the ability to reposition a versatile player like Endō into the defensive line could make this move feasible again.