Jamie Carragher Urges Liverpool to ‘Hurt Man City’ and Sign £52m Star in January | OneFootball

Carragher’s Call: Why Liverpool Must Seize the Moment

Liverpool’s position atop the Premier League is a sight to behold for Reds fans. Five points clear of Manchester City and nine ahead of Arsenal, the team under Arne Slot has reignited its title ambitions. Jamie Carragher, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, has sent a clear message: this is Liverpool’s moment, and the opportunity to hurt City may not come again. His advice? Secure the services of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi in January to consolidate their dominance.

Liverpool’s Unique Position

Carragher emphasised the fleeting nature of this opportunity: “If you are Arne Slot, you might never be in this position again in terms of being nine points clear of Arsenal and five clear of City.”

Liverpool’s current dominance in the league stems from both their squad’s form and the vulnerabilities in their rivals. Arsenal have stumbled after a strong start, while City’s depth has been tested by injuries to key players like Rodri.

Slot’s Liverpool has shown remarkable resilience, blending youthful energy with tactical discipline. Ryan Gravenberch, a summer signing, has thrived in midfield, but Carragher believes Zubimendi could elevate the team further:

“Zubimendi is the player he wanted… if he is the player you want – go and do it – you might never be in this position.”

The Zubimendi Factor

Zubimendi, a €60m-rated midfielder, was on Liverpool’s radar during the summer but chose to remain with Real Sociedad. Since then, both City and Arsenal have rekindled their interest, with City viewing him as an ideal replacement for Rodri.

Photo: IMAGO

For Liverpool, securing Zubimendi wouldn’t just fill a tactical gap; it would be a statement of intent. It would thwart their closest rivals and reinforce their midfield with a player of genuine class and versatility.

Carragher made his stance crystal clear: “Just make it count.”

Transfer Targets Beyond Zubimendi

While Zubimendi is the headline target, Liverpool’s January window could see movement in other areas. Trent Alexander-Arnold has reportedly been in contact with Real Madrid, sparking concerns about his long-term future at Anfield.

Antonee Robinson, Fulham’s full-back, has emerged as a potential defensive reinforcement, though a January move appears unlikely. Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly scouting Hugo Larsson of Eintracht Frankfurt and Red Star Belgrade’s Andrija Maksimovic – both midfield talents with significant upside.

Making the Most of January

Liverpool’s reluctance to engage in hasty or overpriced deals is well-documented. However, Carragher’s argument for boldness is compelling. As he pointed out, this window presents a rare alignment of circumstances: Liverpool leading the pack, City and Arsenal vulnerable, and a chance to strengthen in key areas.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot, in his first season at Anfield, has already won over many fans, but a significant January move like Zubimendi’s could cement his place in Liverpool folklore.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, hearing Jamie Carragher champion bold action in January resonates deeply. This season feels like a turning point, and with Arne Slot at the helm, there’s a palpable sense of renewal.

Zubimendi’s potential arrival is more than just a tactical upgrade; it symbolises ambition. By outmanoeuvring City and Arsenal for his signature, Liverpool would not only reinforce their squad but also assert themselves as the dominant force in English football once again.

The concerns around Alexander-Arnold’s potential departure to Real Madrid cast a shadow, but they also highlight the importance of capitalising on this moment. If Liverpool are to remain competitive in the years ahead, they need to act decisively now.

Slot’s measured approach has served the team well so far, but January could be the moment to push the boundaries. With Carragher’s words ringing true, fans will be hoping the club’s hierarchy shares his urgency.