Martin Zubimendi’s deal to Liverpool grows closer as Real Sociedad’resigned’ to losing star

Liverpool has been biding their time in their search for a new midfielder, but Arne Slot’s side may be poised to end their wait by swooping for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

According to reports, Real Sociedad appears to have accepted the loss of Martin Zubimendi to Liverpool.

Zubimendi, a Spanish international, has previously been connected with a number of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal. He earlier stated that he would want to stay in San Sebastian and play for La Real in the Champions League, but a move could be in the works.

According to reports, Real Sociedad appears to have accepted the loss of Martin Zubimendi to Liverpool.

Zubimendi, a Spanish international, has previously been connected with a number of Premier League clubs, including Arsenal. He earlier stated that he would want to stay in San Sebastian and play for La Real in the Champions League, but a move could be in the works.

Liverpool has now entered the fray, looking to make their first deal since new manager Arne Slot took over. Zubimendi had stated that he was “most comfortable” with Real Sociedad, but a big-money offer could be difficult to turn down.

The 25-year-old is said to have a release clause of roughly £51.5 million, although it’s unclear whether a smaller bid will suffice. According to local media in the Basque Country, an agreement is more likely than not.

According to Noticias de Gipuzkoa (via Sport Witness), Liverpool is interested in signing the player and is contemplating their offer. The same magazine mentions a ‘atmosphere of resignation’ around Anoeta.

Zubimendi’s agents are said to have a good rapport with Liverpool’s transfer head, Richard Hughes. The same agency represents Andoni Iraola, who was named manager of Bournemouth while Hughes was at the club.

The midfielder is under contract until 2027, so there’s no rush to cash in. However, if Liverpool meets the release clause, La Real will lose control.

Liverpool won three of their three pre-season games in the United States, demonstrating that Slot’s methods were working. The former Feyenoord manager has been linked with several new acquisitions, but he has insisted that any player he brings in must satisfy a high standard of quality.

“We have so many good players so it is not so easy to first find a player to meet those standards and then is he available?” Slot stated. “Then we have to find an agreement with them, so it is not always easy to find a player who can help us but Richard is working hard on it and let’s see what comes from this.”

Liverpool, who finished third in the Premier League last season, will begin their first season under Slot against newly promoted Ipswich Town. Before that, they have two friendlies against Sevilla and Las Palmas on August 11.