Liverpool could make SENSATIONAL return for No.1 transfer target

Liverpool could make an unbelievable return for a player they targeted throughout the summer after reports revealed he regrets his decision not to join the Reds.

Liverpool’s first summer transfer window under Arne Slot ended with just one signing. Federico Chiesa came in as back-up for Mohamed Salah on the right-hand side for just £12.5m, with Liverpool’s other signing, Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, staying at loan on Valencia for the season.

Read more: Liverpool refused salary demands of 'EXTRAORDINARY' midfielder

Zubimendi transfer saga

Much of Liverpool’s summer was taken up with the pursuit of Spanish defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. It was reported over the summer that Liverpool were willing to pay his €60m release clause, and triple the wages he was on in Spain.

However, despite agreeing personal terms with the Reds, Zubimendi’s agent contacted Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes to inform him that his client had changed his mind and would stay at Sociedad, where he has played his whole career, and he was expected to sign a new contract.

It was a shock for Liverpool and Hughes, however they decided against signing an alternative, looking to ensure they brought in the right player, rather than panicking due to the rejection.

Zubimendi U-turn

However, it now looks as though Liverpool may have another shot at bringing him in, with reports from Estadio Deportivo saying Zubimendi 'regrets his decision to continue' with Sociedad and intends to join the Premier League this winter, hoping his agent will help rekindle the deal.

The San Sebastian side are yet to offer the Basque midfielder a new contract, with the star remaining contracted until 2027. He earns just under £50,000 a week, according to Capology, and the increase he was promised has not yet been offered to him.

Sociedad have also had a very poor start to the season, with just one win, and are currently sitting 16th in the table. With the loss of his midfield partner Mikel Merino, who joined Arsenal, it is now thought he is having second thoughts and wants to experience playing in the Premier League.

Will Liverpool be tempted by Zubimendi?

Hughes may be wary of returning after the embarrassment Zubimendi caused over the summer. However he may view it as an opportunity that is too good to turn down.

Despite Ryan Gravenberch’s amazing start to the season, it has been reported that Liverpool will be targeting a defensive midfielder again in January, and Hughes will be happy he did not have a knee-jerk reaction and sign an alternative in August.

It would not be the first time a Liverpool signing failed over the summer, only to join in January, with the club seeing multiple approaches knocked back for Virgil van Dijk in 2017, only for him to join when the winter window opened.