Liverpool are keen to rectify the mistakes they made in the summer transfer window and properly back Arne Slot in the January window.
The Reds went into the summer knowing that needed to bring in an elite number 6 for their midfield under new manager Slot ahead of the new season.
Martin Zubimendi was identified as the top target and he was courted heavily by sporting director Richard Hughes for weeks and the club were convinced that the Spaniard would be arriving at Anfield.
However, the pull of staying at Real Sociedad proved too much for him and the midfielder politely declined the transfer to Liverpool in the summer.
The Reds didn’t have a fall-back option and Slot turned to Ryan Gravenberch who has been repurposed to play at the base of the midfield this season.
Liverpool want to bring in that elite number 6 in the January window and are prepared to sell fringe stars to part-fund the move.
They have been urged to rekindle their interest in Zubimendi but they are likely to face competition from Manchester City for his signature in the winter window.
However, is the player keen on a move in January? For now, the answer seems no.
Real Sociedad are part of my life – Liverpool target
Zubimendi has a deep emotional connection with La Real and their fans and Liverpool’s persistent interest in the summer failed to break that bond.
Manchester City are now in the fray but it seems the midfielder remains unnerved about speculation over his future ahead of the winter window.
He stressed that Real Sociedad have played a big part in what he has become and indicated that he is not interested in breaking away from them any time soon.
“Real Sociedad is a big part of my life”, the midfielder said in a press conference.
“Part of who I am as a person is also thanks to them, I think that the values of Real Sociedad are within me and well, I want to continue.”
He is yet to sign a new contract with Real Sociedad, which means the €60m buyout clause is still active if a club want to take advantage again in January.
