Latest Liverpool transfer news and gossip with an update on the future of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad has been linked with Liverpool
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad has been linked with Liverpool
Liverpool have been handed a boost after their failed attempt to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi last summer. The Reds expressed an interest in signing the Spain international before the start of the campaign but failed in their efforts to bring the player to Anfield.
Federico Chiesa was the only new addition to Liverpool's squad in the summer, with Giorgi Mamardashvili also signed but is spending the season on loan with Valencia. Much talk in the summer was that the Reds wanted to sign a new midfielder, with Zubimendi seen as the No.1 target.
However, Zubimendi chose to remain with his boyhood club rather than pursue a move to Liverpool. Instead of moving on to an alternative target, Arne Slot decided to stick with his current midfield options that include Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo.
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According to The Athletic, Zubimendi may have changed his stance on his future after previously deciding to stay at Sociedad. The report claims that the 25-year-old may now be open to leaving the La Liga club, with the suggestion that a deal could happen next summer.
Zubimendi is thought to have a buyout clause in his contract worth €60million (£50million), and there were rumours that Sociedad wanted to hand the midfielder a new deal to remove the clause. However, Zubimendi remains on the same terms as he was in the summer, and there has been no update that a deal could be agreed upon for an extension.
Liverpool may face competition from Arsenal and Manchester City should they return to the table to try and sign Zubimendi once again. The report does add, though, that there are still some suggestions that the midfielder could still choose to remain at the Reale Arena despite interest from other clubs.