Liverpool’s new coach, Arne Slot, has made his intentions clear—he wants to transform Liverpool into a team that dominates possession, much like Manchester City under Pep Guardiola. To achieve this, Slot is focusing on bolstering his No. 6 position, seeking a more technical and possession-oriented player who can emulate the role of Rodri at City.
Slot’s desire to control the tempo of games through a possession-based approach has led him to identify Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as the ideal candidate to anchor Liverpool’s midfield. Zubimendi is highly regarded for his ability to dominate with or without the ball, a trait that former Barcelona coach Xavi emphasized. His deep-lying playmaking skills draw comparisons to Sergio Busquets, another Barcelona legend, who was known for his ability to create space, dribble past opponents, and control the game from the base of midfield.
Zubimendi’s prowess was evident last season, where he won possession in midfield more than any other player in La Liga. This ability to regain control and dictate play is precisely what Slot believes Liverpool needs to transition to a more possession-heavy style of play. However, Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause could be a stumbling block, as Real Sociedad are insistent that any suitor must meet this fee in full and upfront.
Slot’s focus on finding the right player for this role comes after Liverpool’s struggles in the transfer market last summer, where they failed to secure the services of Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo, both of whom opted for Chelsea. This left Liverpool reliant on Wataru Endo, who, while capable, does not fit the specific technical profile that Slot is looking for. The addition of Zubimendi could be the missing piece in Liverpool’s tactical puzzle as they aim to compete at the highest level.
Chelsea’s Gallagher Saga: A Fan Favorite Forced Out
Meanwhile, Chelsea are facing their own challenges, particularly in managing their squad and finances. Conor Gallagher, a product of Chelsea’s academy and a fan favorite, has reluctantly agreed to join Atletico Madrid. Gallagher was reportedly forced into the decision after being told his playing opportunities would be limited this season under the new management.
Gallagher’s departure has sparked outrage among Chelsea supporters, who are unhappy with the club’s decision to sell one of their own, especially after Gallagher’s impressive performances last season. The club, however, justified the move by citing financial reasons, as Gallagher represents pure profit due to his academy roots. With only 12 months left on his contract, Chelsea opted to sell rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.
Gallagher had previously turned down a move to Aston Villa, which would have set a new transfer record for the club. However, the pressure from Chelsea and Atletico Madrid left him with little choice but to accept the move to Spain.
Chelsea’s Pre-Season Woes and Defensive Concerns
Chelsea’s pre-season tour of America has also highlighted significant defensive issues. The team concluded their tour with a 2-1 loss to Real Madrid, bringing their total to 12 goals conceded in five games. New manager Enzo Maresca has expressed frustration, attributing the defensive frailties to the players’ adherence to former manager Mauricio Pochettino’s tactics, which he believes left the team vulnerable to balls played in behind the defense.
Maresca’s concerns come as Chelsea prepare for their final pre-season match against Inter Milan at Stamford Bridge. With the Premier League season fast approaching, Chelsea will need to address these defensive issues quickly if they are to challenge for honors this season.
Chelsea’s Striker Search: Omorodion in the Frame
In their pursuit of a new striker, Chelsea are moving closer to signing Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid. With Atletico agreeing to an £81 million deal to bring Julian Alvarez from Manchester City, the path has been cleared for Omorodion to make the move to Stamford Bridge for £35 million. As Chelsea look to strengthen their attacking options, Omorodion could be a key addition to their squad.
This summer’s transfer activities and pre-season results highlight the challenges facing some of Europe’s biggest clubs as they prepare for the new season. For Liverpool, Chelsea, and Atletico Madrid, the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping their campaigns.
