Morten Frendrup and Three Other Players Liverpool Should Pursue After Martin Zubimendi Transfer Failure

Here are four midfield targets Liverpool could consider after Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi declined the opportunity to join Arne Slot’s team and chose to remain in Spain.

The potential move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has come to an end: Zubimendi has decided against joining Liverpool and is instead open to extending his contract with his boyhood club.

Despite Liverpool being linked with a move for Zubimendi, whose £52 million ($66.4 million) release clause had been highlighted, the club faced significant challenges in securing his transfer. There are ongoing rumours about Sociedad possibly selling another midfielder, Mikel Merino, to Arsenal.

Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, had shown interest in Zubimendi and was engaged in discussions. However, the Daily Mail now reports that Liverpool are unlikely to sign a defensive midfielder in this transfer window.

Nevertheless, if Liverpool re-enter the market, here are four potential targets they could explore.

Ederson (Atalanta)

The skilled 25-year-old Ederson made his debut for Brazil this summer at the Copa America. He played in both of Atalanta’s matches against Liverpool in the Europa League last season, operating in a double pivot within his team’s 3-4-1-2 formation.

Acquired by the Italian club for €22.9 million ($25 million) in 2022, Atalanta would likely seek more than double that amount if they decide to sell.

Ederson is known for his dynamic midfield play and solid defensive capabilities, averaging almost four tackles and interceptions per game over the past year.

Alan Varela (Porto)

Porto midfielder Alan Valero has a story reminiscent of Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez. Both Argentines were teammates at Boca Juniors; while Fernandez moved to Benfica in 2022 for a bargain deal, Varela joined Porto for €8 million ($8.7 million) in 2023.

Last season, Varela made 36 starts for Porto, including eight in the Champions League, and began the current league campaign in the starting XI.

Known for his passing ability rather than his defensive prowess, Varela has a Transfermarkt valuation of €35 million ($38.3 million). It would likely require more than this amount for Liverpool to acquire him.

Morten Frendrup (Genoa)

Genoa midfielder Morten Frendrup, 23, excels in defensive actions and passing in the final third. With 3.81 tackles per game, he ranks in the 99th percentile among Serie A midfielders. He has also recorded five assists this season, although his xAG stands at just 1.6.

Acquired by Genoa for €3.9 million ($4.3 million) in 2022, Frendrup has yet to compete in the Champions League. He made six appearances for Brøndby in the Europa League in 2021. Transfermarkt currently values him at €15 million ($16.4 million).

Manu Kone (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Liverpool supporters may recall the 23-year-old Manu Kone, who was connected to the team in 2023. With a reported asking price of around €20 million ($21.9 million), Kone could offer a cost-effective alternative to other potential signings.

Unlike other candidates, Kone is known for his ability to carry the ball, having completed 2.13 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga last season while playing for Borussia Monchengladbach.

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