According to Fichajes, Mikel Jauregizar has emerged on Liverpool’s list of midfield targets ahead of the summer. The Athletic Club star has been a mainstay with the Basque side, as Arne Slot reportedly likes the idea of bringing him on board his project at Anfield for next season and beyond.
Liverpool have struggled to land a top-draw defensive midfielder for the last few years, and this summer might be another chance to sign one. From failed moves for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to signing Wataru Endo as an alternative, the Merseysiders have still not found the ideal player for the position.
There have been constant links to the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni for a long time, but are nowhere close to landing him anytime soon. Last summer they came very close to landing Martin Zubimendi, who instead rejected their offer to continue his association with boyhood club Real Sociedad.
Zubimendi has now agreed to join Arsenal, which will have quashed any last remaining hope of landing the Real Sociedad star. Staying in Basque, Liverpool have now shifted their focus to another club in the region, as they are now keen on Mikel Jauregizar, who plays for Athletic Club.
The Spanish midfielder has been a sensational presence for Athletic Club this season, making 30 appearances for the La Liga side. Manchester City were briefly interested in him back in January before they opted for Nico Gonzalez from FC Porto. Liverpool could potentially look to make a move for the 21-year-old La Liga midfielder, as a new option for Arne Slot.
Jauregizar will enter the final two years of his deal, with Athletic Club now keen to hand him a new deal to secure his future at the club. Before he decides on extending his stay, Liverpool might make a case to sign him, as it will be interesting to watch if they are successful this time around.
Arne Slot has converted Ryan Gravenberch into a defensive midfielder this season, but long term they would need a specialist in the role. Hence, there’s a big requirement in the middle of the pitch as Liverpool either needs a defensive midfielder of starting quality or someone who could provide the quality to rotate with the Dutchman regularly.
