Liverpool are making significant efforts to persuade European Championship winner Martin Zubimendi to join their ranks, amid a strong charm offensive from Real Sociedad executives.
Reports surfaced on Wednesday indicating that Zubimendi, a 25-year-old defensive midfielder, is a key target for Arne Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes as they aim to bolster the No 6 position at Liverpool.
The player has a release clause set at €60 million (£51.6 million). Although sources close to Real Sociedad acknowledge the likelihood of losing him this summer, Zubimendi is still contemplating whether to leave his boyhood club.
Mail Sport understands that Real Sociedad’s manager, Imanol Alguacil, is actively encouraging Zubimendi to remain with the club. Having given him his first-team debut in 2019, Alguacil has held multiple discussions with the midfielder this week to convince him to stay away from Liverpool.
Zubimendi previously turned down Arsenal and Bayern Munich last summer and is currently more inclined to leave than he was before. However, Imanol and La Real officials have advised him that staying in Spain might be his best option for at least another year.
Liverpool are battling against an intense charm offensive from top Real Sociedad bosses in their attempts to land midfielder Martin Zubimendi (pictured)
The Reds are pushing hard to convince the European Championship winner to join the club
A top-quality No 6 could be pivotal in helping Arne Slot’s side improve on their 2023-24 season
According to sources in Spain, part of the charm campaign involves emphasizing how favorable Zubimendi’s life is in San Sebastian. He has a circle of friends in the city and appreciates the scenic walks in the Monte Urgull area overlooking the Basque region.
Imanol will also highlight how the fans would react if he chose to leave the Anoeta Stadium. Earlier this summer, Zubimendi commented to El Diario Vasco, saying: ‘Where am I going to play next season? I’ll be at Real Sociedad. I have a contract, and that’s where I feel the most at home.’
Today, Zubimendi participated in La Real’s training session, with the squad slated to depart for Berlin on Thursday for a friendly against Union on Friday. The club intends for Zubimendi to travel.
Sources in Merseyside have downplayed any notions of confidence, but it is evident that Liverpool is vigorously pursuing the deal. Although the news of Real Sociedad’s charm offensive may seem discouraging, they were always expected to resist losing the player without a struggle.
Nevertheless, Liverpool is making every effort to convince him that joining a top club offers the best chance to play regular football in the Champions League. Securing a talented No 6 could be crucial for Slot as he aims to improve on the squad’s third-place finish last season.
Sociedad manager, Imanol Alguacil, has urged the £51.6m-rated star to stay at the club
New sporting director Richard Hughes has a good relationship with Zubimendi’s agent Inaki Ibanez
If Zubimendi leaves Spain, a deal with the Premier League club could be wrapped up pretty quickly
Hughes has established a solid rapport with agent Inaki Ibanez, who represents Zubimendi, stemming from their collaboration to bring Andoni Iraola to Bournemouth last summer. Ibanez is likely to support the move, and Zubimendi may follow in the footsteps of his idol Xabi Alonso, who is also represented by the same agency.
Should Zubimendi decide to leave Spain – which remains likely despite his manager’s interventions – the transfer could be finalized swiftly. Anfield will host at least one Spaniard this weekend, with Sevilla and Las Palmas facing off in friendlies.
