Liverpool will face a challenge in trying to sign midfielder Martin Zubimendi as his club Real Sociedad are committed to keeping him in Spain.
According to Paul Joyce, Sociedad have launched a “charm offensive” to keep the Reds’ target at the club. Earlier this week, reports claimed that Liverpool among other clubs sent intermediaries to Spain to get into contact with Zubimendi. The feedback was that the player and Real Sociedad were not willing to part ways anytime soon.
The 25-year old midfielder has been a part of the club for the past decade; graduating from their academy to become a first team regular.
Zubimendi’s release clause
It is widely reported that the Spanish international has a release clause of around €60million euros. Zubimendi was not a starter at EURO 2024 but his performances off the bench caught the eye of many clubs.
He came on at halftime during the final and ran the show as Spain beat England 2-1 to lift the trophy. The fee would not be an issue for most clubs in Europe looking to bolster their midfield ranks with one of the best midfielders in La Liga.
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has sang the praises of Martin Zubimendi recently:
“I think it’s important they add someone solid,” Scholes told The Overlap. “In an ideal world, we’ve all talked about Rodri. He’s the best in the world at doing it, but there were actually players they could have gone for.
“You think of the lad at Fulham who went to Bayern Munich, Palhinha. I thought he was brilliant in the World Cup. I thought he was one who could’ve possibly gone to Liverpool, just to sort everything out in the middle of the pitch, make that spine stronger and let the rest of the players play.”
With Endo Wataru reportedly not in the plans of the new Liverpool head coach, the Reds could be looking for a new anchor in midfield.
Reds’ slow transfer window
Liverpool’s transfer window has been very slow under new Head Coach Arne Slot. The Dutch coach has had the opportunity to see what the players at the club have to offer during pre season and it is hinted that Liverpool is now ready to move on to targets near the end of this window.
The Reds have rejected a bid from Southampton for Fabio Carvalho, but an improved offer is expected from the Saints. Liverpool are open to selling the youngster for the right amount.
