Real Sociedad launch ‘charm offensive’ to keep Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi

Real Sociedad have intensified their efforts to retain Martín Zubimendi, the Liverpool target, as the La Liga club seeks to keep their star midfielder, according to The Times.

The 25-year-old Spanish international, who has a £51 million release clause, emerged on Wednesday as the top transfer target for Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot.

Zubimendi, who has previously turned down approaches from other clubs, is a key figure at Sociedad.

The Basque-born player has strong ties to his boyhood club, and Sociedad are hopeful he will remain despite the allure of Premier League and Champions League football.

This summer, Sociedad have already seen defender Robin Le Normand depart for Atletico Madrid in a £30 million deal and are also aware of Arsenal’s interest in Mikel Merino.

According to the Daily Mail, Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil is making a strong effort to convince Martín Zubimendi to remain with the club.

Alguacil, who gave Zubimendi his first-team debut in 2019, has held several meetings with the midfielder this week to dissuade him from joining Liverpool.

Earlier this summer, Zubimendi told El Diario Vasco: “Where am I going to play next season?

“I’m going to be at Real Sociedad.

“I have a contract and that’s where I feel most comfortable.”

Zubimendi was spotted training with Real Sociedad on Thursday adding another layer to the ongoing transfer saga.

While he is contracted to his boyhood club and the team is preparing for a friendly against Union Berlin on Friday, his presence at training indicates that a move to Merseyside may not be imminent.

Sociedad’s social media platforms posted clips of the training session on X and Instagram, showing Zubimendi smiling and actively participating.

Liverpool likely received some encouragement about a potential deal before briefing the media on Wednesday.

However, convincing Zubimendi to leave Sociedad has proven challenging for other clubs in the past.

The 25-year-old has previously turned down approaches from top clubs including Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich, highlighting his strong connection to his boyhood club, which he joined at the age of 11.

Liverpool are making every effort to convince Zubimendi that joining a top club and playing regular football in the Champions League is his best option.

The Reds’ sporting director, Julian Ward, has a good relationship with Zubimendi’s agent, Iñaki Ibáñez, after working together to bring Andoni Iraola to Bournemouth last summer.

Ibáñez is reportedly keen on the move, and Zubimendi could follow in the footsteps of his idol, Xabi Alonso, who is also represented by the same agency.

If he does decide to leave Spain – which remains likely despite his manager’s best efforts to retain him – the deal could be completed swiftly.

At least one Spaniard will be in action at Anfield this weekend, as Sevilla and Las Palmas are set to face Liverpool in friendlies.

Read more: Video: Martin Zubimendi spotted in training with Real Sociedad amid Liverpool transfer reports

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