Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi ‘is going to leave’ Real Sociedad – report
Martin Zubimendi will leave Real Sociedad this summer amid interest from Liverpool, according to Mikel Recalde.
The San Sebastian-based journalist revealed in an interview with Dave OCKOP [8 August] that he expects Liverpool to be successful in their pursuit of Zubimendi this summer.
Arne Slot has identified the Spanish midfielder as his number-one target and talks are underway with Sociedad, Liverpool will activate the £51.6million release clause should the player green-light the move (Liverpool Echo).
Recalde said: “The ball is in Martín’s court, who is going to decide his future.
“There was a lot of pessimism at the club yesterday when the news broke. In the last few hours, some hope has been regained, but it is difficult for Real. Liverpool has come a long way during these last two weeks in conversations with Martín and his people.
“Me? My opinion is he IS going to leave.”
Liverpool need to convince Martin Zubimendi
Liverpool are accelerating their plans in the transfer window, Slot has assessed his squad following a successful pre-season tour of the USA and has identified his main target in Zubimendi.
The Reds are the only Premier League side yet to make a signing but as expected, the club plan to be active in the final month of the window.
Richard Hughes faces his first test as sporting director, Zubimendi has reportedly rejected moves to Arsenal, Manchester United, and Barcelona in the past with the academy graduate loving his life at Sociedad.
The market for a defensive midfielder is thin, few quality options could improve the Reds, and even fewer are available, the club rejected a bid for Wataru Endo from Marseille [The Athletic] with the plan of relying on the Japan international for a second season until they identified Zubimendi.
After two years and two missed targets in Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, the Reds look set to land their Fabinho replacement in Zubimendi and do what other top European sides failed to do, convince the San Sebastian native to leave his boyhood club [The Athletic, 7 August].
Liverpool fans were eager for a statement signing this summer to accommodate the arrival of Slot and may not have to wait long for their wish as the Reds work on making Zubimendi their first signing of the summer.
In other Liverpool news, Anfield is set to host multiple women’s matches this coming season in the WSL.
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