Liverpool’s search for a new midfield signing dominated the summer transfer window. Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi was a known target for the Reds, but a £51 million move could not be completed after the Spain international decided to remain with his boyhood club in La Liga.
It remains to be seen if Liverpool will return to try and sign Zubimendi once again when the transfer window reopens in January. Regardless, it seems that the Reds have a clear desire to strengthen the No.6 position.
A little over 12 months ago, Liverpool tried to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton. The Reds submitted a £110 million bid, which was accepted by the Seagulls, but Chelsea stepped in and offered a deal worth up to £115 million and completed the signing of the Ecuador international.
Caicedo is expected to start for Chelsea against Liverpool when the two teams meet on Sunday in the Premier League clash at Anfield. The game will likely see Reds head coach Arne Slot start Ryan Gravenberch in the No.6 role for the visit of the Londoners.
Gravenberch has flourished since Slot took charge at Liverpool in the summer and has made a case for being the club’s player of the season so far. The midfielder was signed just weeks after the Reds failed to bring Caicedo to the club, under former manager Jurgen Klopp. Sunday’s game will see the Dutchman go head-to-head in midfield against Caicedo, a player that the Reds, at one time, viewed as their long-term solution to play the No.6 role.
Caicedo had a really difficult baptism at Stamford Bridge, but has been in great form this season under Enzo Maresca and shown why both Chelsea and Liverpool fought for his signature. Ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter worked with the midfielder at Brighton and said: “It feels like Chelsea are starting to see the real Moises Caicedo, and I am not surprised their results have improved now he is doing so well.
“I am really pleased to see him flourishing the way he is. He has seen his difficult periods out, without going under, and has kept on being himself – wanting the ball, winning the ball, and doing the right things. This is just the start for him, but he and Chelsea are already seeing the rewards of his hard work.”
Only those within the Anfield hierarchy will know if Liverpool plan to go into the market for a new midfielder in January or next summer. However, the fact that, over the last two summer transfer windows, Caicedo and Zubimendi have been identified as players wanted by the Reds shows the club believes an upgrade is needed in the position.
That view, though, may have changed thanks to Gravenberch’s performances this season. If the former Ajax star impresses yet again, this time against former Liverpool target Caicedo, it may force the Reds to change their transfer plans altogether.
