Why Liverpool could lose out on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi

Martin Zubimendi in three days, has been a subject of transfer speculation for anyone connected to Liverpool and Real Sociedad with both clubs making their intentions known.

Liverpool is keen to not start the 2024/2025 league season with the tag of being the only side yet to sign a new player in the summer transfer window.

Real Sociedad have made an audacious offer in an attempt to keep their Euro 2024-winning midfielder at the club, according to Paul Joyce of The Times.

Joyce reported, “The 25-year-old Basque-born Spain midfielder, who has a £51 million release clause, emerged on Wednesday as the top-choice transfer target for the Liverpool head coach, Arne Slot.

Zubimendi has previously rejected advances from clubs and Sociedad are hoping the Basque-born player will remain at his boyhood club despite the lure of the Premier League and Champions League football.”

Lewis Steele also claimed that part of the Spanish Club’s charm offensive included reiterating to the player how good life is in the Basque region of San Sebastian. The player has a nucleus of friends in the city and enjoys walking in the Monte Urgull mountain overlooking the city.

Liverpool are eager to find a lasting solution to their defensive midfield role since the departure of Fabinho before the start of last season. Endo was signed to fill that role, however, the Reds saw former Brighton star and World Cup winner Alexis MacAllister spend the majority of the first half of last season playing as the no.6. Endo eventually got up to speed with the physicality of the English top flight and soon found himself as the man for the role.

However, ther have been concerns that the Japanese captain may not be the long-term solution for the Reds, coupled with not being favored due to Arne Slot’s style of play. Curtis Jones and most recently Ryan Gravenberch have been tried in that role albeit being a double pivot – but both don’t quite provide the steel which Fabinho possessed.

Real Sociedad themselves have sold Robin Le Normand in a £30m deal to La Liga side Atletico Madrid, while they are aware of potential interest from another premier league giant in Mikel Merino.

Paul Joyce also claimed that “The power play from the club’s hierarchy to Zubimendi complicates matters for Liverpool, who will still have to come.”

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