Liverpool are weighing up a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as they eye their first signing under new head coach Arne Slot.
Martin Zubimendi, 25, was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024, coming on as a half-time substitute for the injured Rodri in the final when his nation prevailed 2-1 against England in Berlin, Germany. He was selected in the Spanish side squad off the back of a strong campaign with Real Sociedad, where the midfielder bagged four goals in 31 league appearances.
The 25-year-old defensive midfielder, who has come through the youth ranks at Real Sociedad, has a £51.5m release clause written in his contract. Liverpool will reportedly need to pay Zubimendi’s full release clause if the Spanish side are reluctant to negotiate a fee below that price tag.
The Reds are yet to table a bid and Sociedad are aware of their interest. The La Liga side have no intentions of letting Zubimendi depart, but if the Spain international wishes to exit this summer they will grant his demand. The midfielder is yet to communicate his decision to his boyhood club.
Martin Zubimendi would be a strong fit in Arne Slot’s system at Liverpool
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is eyeing a cultured defensive midfielder—the position that has needed reinforcing at Anfield since the departure of Fabinho last summer. Wataru Endo was signed from VfB Stuttgart late in the 2023 summer transfer window after Liverpool missed out on the signing of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.
However, Endo, now 31, is viewed as a stop-gap arrangement. For large parts of the 2023/24 season, Jurgen Klopp deployed Alexis Mac Allister as a No.6. While Mac Allister performed well in a deeper role, the Argentinean World Cup winner is more effective as a No.8—as evidenced by his performances for former club Brighton and Hove Albion.
Thus, it makes complete sense for Liverpool to bring in a defensive midfielder this summer. Zubimendi has emerged as a primary target, with the Spaniard possessing the attributes to operate as a No.6 in Slot’s possession-based system. Great passer of the ball, diligent, tenacious tackler and a fine reader of the game, the San Sebastian native would be an instant upgrade on the ageing Endo and allow the likes of Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to operate as box-to-box midfielders.
It will be interesting to see whether the Merseysiders decide to trigger Zubimendi’s £51.5m release clause or negotiate a different fee with Sociedad.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
