Martin Zubimendi 'SEDUCED' by Liverpool move
Liverpool’s interest in Martin Zubimendi has been incredibly well-founded by now.
Not only did they match the player’s Real Sociedad release clause before Zubimendi decided to reject the move, but numerous rumours have now been established that Liverpool are looking to re-approach as early as the January transfer window.
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And these reports were matched by ones stating that Zubimendi would actually like the move and may have been pressured to stay in Spain during the summer.
Real eye Zubimendi as Kroos replacement
A new report in AS states that Liverpool and Manchester City are keen on adding the €60m midfielder to their ranks but a complicating factor could be the presence of Real Madrid.
The report claims Zubimendi is 'seduced' by the idea of moving to Premier League, but the Liverpool deal was scuppered after la Real convinced him to stay in light of the departures of Robin Le Normand and Mikel Merino.
And now Real Madrid see Zubimendi as their long-term successor to Toni Kroos, who retired last summer.
The 15-times European champions could have a trump card in the fact that Inaki Ibanez, Zubimendi's agent, also represents Xabi Alonso, the chief contender to take over from Carlo Ancelotti in the coaching hot seat.
The 25-year-old has missed games against Celta Vigo in La Liga and Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League following an injury sustained against Leganes, but should hopefully be able to use Spain’s winter break to recover.
Liverpool need midfield reinforcements
As it stands, Liverpool’s midfield is walking on mighty thin ice. Both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai’s recent bans have shown Liverpool to be one major injury away from some midfield trouble, particularly with the volume of games they are having to play.
Head coach Arne Slot likes to rest and rotate his high-volume pressing players as much as possible, but hasn’t been able to do this with Ryan Gravenberch who has become a necessary ever-presence.
This makes the approach for Zubimendi a bit of a requirement for Liverpool, even as early as January if they want to take serious precautions against this season slipping away from what could be a quadruple.
But the only way they can do this would be to test Sociedad’s and the player’s resolve with a bid.
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