Liverpool move one step closer to BLOCKBUSTER Martin Zubimendi deal

Liverpool came close to adding Martin Zubimendi to the ranks over the summer, opting to pay Real Sociedad the €60 million fee required to release him.

The Spanish Euro 2024 winner had a last-minute change of heart, however, and remained with boyhood club for the season.

It is reported in the Athletic that Zubimendi did not want to leave his cub in the lurch with fellow Euros winner Mikel Merino departing for Arsenal.

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Zubimendi’s extended tenure at the Anoeta Stadium has not quelled the transfer speculation around him however with the 25-year-old linked with the Gunners, Manchester City and, once again, Liverpool.

The Reds declined to add another midfielder in the summer window, utilsing Ryan Gravenberch in the No.6 position instead. Right now they have ample back-up with Wataru Endo, Tyler Morton, Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones all capable of fulfilling the deep midfield role.

Zubimendi ready to LEAVE Real Sociedad

That said if a player the quality of Zubimendi were to come available again then Liverpool would surely be tempted to make a move.

And that’s why the latest report in the Athletic sounds so appealing.

Citing “multiple well-placed sources”, the outlet reveals that Zubimendi is finally “coming to terms” with the idea of leaving Sociedad.

While some sources still state that Zubimendi may well end up staying, it’s believed things are different this time and the time will SOON come for the schemer to depart.

That said it’s unlikely that Zubimendi will leave in January - although Man City are reported to be keen on him replacing Rodri - and it’s more likely that he leaves next summer.

Expect sporting director Richard Hughes to be right at the front of the queue for Zubimendi if and when the time comes to make a bid. The player already knows exactly what’s on offer at Anfield under Arne Slot and could well be tempted into making the move to the Premier League.

Real won’t stand in the player’s way so long as their demands are met, as proven with recent big-money sales for Martin Odegaard, Alexander Isak, Robin Le Normand and Merino.

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