Richard Hughes thriving as Liverpool replace Martin Zubimendi and SAVE £20m

Liverpool's defensive midfield woes have been well-documented and for a while, it looked as though the team would never find a solution.

However, upon Arne Slot's arrival on Merseyside this summer, Ryan Gravenberch was given the nod and the Reds have hardly looked back since.

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Gravenberch's promotion was part and parcel because Martin Zubimendi dismissed Liverpool's offer to meet his release clause at Real Sociedad, but the Spaniard has not been missed there is an argument among fans that the team no longer needs to strengthen in the position.

This might be a route that the club decides to go down, but Anfield Watch understands that Liverpool are considering alternatives to Zubimendi in the transfer market.

The workload put on Gravenberch's shoulders this season is significant and if the 22-year-old Dutchman is to continue to make the DM position his own for the long term, then he will require assistance.

Hughes' perfect solution waiting in the wings

At £50m, Zubimendi's price tag is a large financial outlay for a player who will be playing second fiddle to Gravenberch in midfield, and so even if he were to have changed his mind this season, it would be unlikely for Liverpool to go in for him again now that the club's circumstances.

In addition, there might well be a more cost-effective option out there that is more tailored to the Reds.

Current reports suggest that Liverpool are eyeing up a move for Samuele Ricci at Torino, who is one such alternative to Zubimendi who is on the club's shortlist.

At 23 years old, he fits the team's new age profile and since he has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in Italian football, he has been widely expected of a move out of Turin.

It is our understanding that the club looked at Ricci and made contact with his club about a possible move in the summer, however, his £50m asking price was deemed too high for a player who was still finding his feet.

With the knowledge that he is only contracted until 2026, Liverpool held off on the move in the hope that his price might drop. And indeed, he is now reportedly available for around £30m which would be a significantly more attractive option for Liverpool to take.

The club is not alone in its pursuit of Ricci as Inter Milan and Manchester City are also said to be waiting in the wings for the Italian's decision, although Liverpool's current form across all competitions under Arne Slot suggests that Merseyside might be the most ideal destination for success.

If Ricci were to join the Reds, he could dovetail with Gravenberch in midfield, creating a strong partnership or end up battling for places to keep both players hungry for minutes on the pitch.

And while Tyler Morton and Stefan Bajcetic are also contracted at the club, Richard Hughes would have created a youthful midfield dynasty that can dominate under the lights at Anfield for a number of years to come, all while saving £20m in not recruiting Zubimendi.

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