Liverpool transfers: Martin Zubimendi is facing his own Steven Gerrard dilemma

Liverpool could still miss out on the signing of Martín Zubimendi as Real Sociedad launch a charm offensive to try and keep hold of the star.

Paul Joyce has today reported that Real Sociedad will try and convince Zubimendi to reject Liverpool despite reports earlier today that the club were resigned to losing the 25-year-old.

After already rejecting Barcelona and Arsenal this summer Real Sociedad are now hoping that they can convince Zubimendi to stay put at his boyhood club.

Joyce writes that the club have launched a “charm offensive” to try and keep Zubimendi and says that: “The power play from the club’s hierarchy to Zubimendi complicates matters for Liverpool, who will still have to come to agreement with Sociedad on the transfer fee if the player gives them the green light.”

READ MORE: Club wants to seal Liverpool deal ‘as soon as possible’; news could break this week

Liverpool’s interest in Zubimendi

After reports earlier in the week that Liverpool has identified their top no.6 target it has since been revealed that the player in question was Zubimendi and multiple reports claim that Liverpool are ready to trigger the Spaniards £51 million release clause with one payment if they are not able to negotiate a different arrangement with Real Sociedad.

Although Zubimendi had previously said he was happy to stay at his boyhood club this summer, local reports from San Sebastian claimed that the Reds had seduced the Euros winner, and he was indeed ready to accept their offer.

Arne Slot and Richard Hughes will be hopeful that the project they have presented to the young star is enough to convince him to make the move to Merseyside.

Zubimendi’s Gerrard moment?

A comparison can be made between Zubimendi’s current situation, and the one Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard found himself in when Chelsea came knocking in 2005.

Zubimendi is a local hero for Real Sociedad, just as Gerrard was for Liverpool, and they will be applying the same kind of pressure Liverpool did to keep their captain in Merseyside.

Although Zubimendi hasn’t handed in a transfer request like Gerrard did the similarities are clear to see.

Liverpool fans will be hopeful that the Reds can do what Chelsea couldn’t and convince the local hero to leave his boyhood club.

And if Liverpool can convince Zubimendi to join Arne Slot’s side, Liverpool fans will be hoping for many more Gerrard-esque moments from the Spaniard.

Liverpool’s transfer window

Liverpool are yet to make a signing in this transfer window and although the transfer of Zubimendi could kick start their summer, there could be troubled if this deal were to collapse.

Top-level holding midfielders are hard to come by in today’s market and if Real Sociedad can convince their local hero to stay put then Liverpool may be back to square one.