3 months ago
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Liverpool and Real Sociedad are said to be deep in negations for the transfer of the star defensive midfielder after the player signalled his desire for the move.
It’s been just a little more than a day since it emerged that Liverpool were seeking to end their summer transfer drought by making a significant signing at defensive midfield ahead of the 2024-25 season in a story that continues to develop rapidly.
From initial reports that specified only the position of the target and the fact they were focusing in on a player not based in England to the revelations that player was Spain and Real Sociedad star Martín Zubimendi couched in language like “considering” to news the player was leaning towards joining the Reds, there has been a steady drip of updates.
Now, Spain’s Relevo are reporting (with confirmation from the Liverpool end from The Athletic’s David Ornstein) that Zubimendi is more than just leaning—he has in fact said yes to joining Arne Slot’s project. The clubs are now in negotiations trying to hammer out a fee and structure.
Real Sociedad have previously been reported as being willing to negotiate his departure should the 25-year-old wish to move on from his boyhood club, but if one can’t be reached Zubimendi has a €60M release clause and Liverpool are said to be willing to trigger it and to pay the amount in full to get the deal done.
A negotiated deal would be expected to see the Reds and sporting director Richard Hughes agree a higher fee in order spread the payment out over multiple years, while agreeing his transfer rather than triggering Zubimendi’s release would potentially be seen as respectful towards the Basque club.
When news first broke from reliable sources on Tuesday of Liverpool’s push to sign a specialist six, many speculated it meant the club were likely deep into negotiations and highly confident of a deal in order to be willing to share that information with fans.
Zubimendi turned down opportunities to join Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona in previous transfer windows but at 25 years of age following this summer’s Euros it appears he has decided it is time to take the next step—with Liverpool best positioned to take advantage of that.
