Real Sociedad are aware of the interest from Liverpool in midfielder Martin Zubimendi. But no official bid has been made yet. Despite the La Liga club’s reluctance to sell, they are prepared to respect Zubimendi’s wishes should he request to leave, according to sources within Sociedad.
Liverpool’s interest in Zubimendi is not a surprise as they are dealing with the recurring issue of a dependable No. 6 since the departure of Fabinho 12 months ago.
However, any move for the Spanish international is difficult due to his €60 million (£51.7 million; $63.4 million) release clause. Adding to the agony, the amount must be paid in full if Sociedad refuse to negotiate a lower fee.
Also, one must not forget, there is a need for persuasion to make the Spanish midfielder actually leave the club, a feat that other Premier League and European clubs, including Arsenal and Barcelona, have failed to achieve.
Zubimendi was part of Spain’s victorious squad at the European Championship. He replaced Rodri in the half-time of the Euro final against England last month. And he was instrumental in inflicting a 2-1 defeat upon Gareth Southgate’s side. Zubimendi ensured that Rodri’s injury would not have any negative impact on Spain’s performance in the final.
Why do Liverpool Need Zubimendi?
Liverpool’s new boss Slot’s focus is on a possession-based style which requires a technical controller rather than a traditional destroyer. Building attacks from deep positions aligns perfectly with Slot’s tactical vision. And for Zubimendi, it is a perfect fit — like the glass slipper on Cinderella.
Zubimendi excels at receiving the ball under pressure, making intelligent decisions to initiate attacks from deep with his impressive passing range and ball-carrying abilities, while also providing a solid defensive shield.
During pre-season, Slot experimented with Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch in the No. 6 position. Szoboszlai and Gravenberch shone quite well. While Endo, regrettably, failed to the occasion, underscoring the pressing need for someone with a touch more reliability in this pivotal role.
Alexis Mac Allister and the promising young prodigy Stefan Bajcetic are also in the mix for this position. Though, Bajcetic is still dusting off the cobwebs after an injury-laden spell.
Is the Deal Possible At All?
Liverpool’s midfield has been in a state of flux since the departures of Fabinho and Thiago, with Endo’s signing viewed merely as a temporary fix. The club’s sporting director, Richard Hughes assured that August would bring “a crescendo” of transfer activities after a eventless July due to ongoing international tournaments. But Liverpool’s transfer book has been empty till now except loaning out of two players.
Hughes is familiar with Zubimendi’s agent, Inaki Ibáñez, who also represents Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola. Liverpool may meet Sociedad’s financial demands with an offset by selling Tyler Morton, valued at £20 million, to interested clubs like RB Leipzig. As of now, the 25-year-old has yet to communicate his decision.
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