Can Liverpool convince Zubimendi?

The Athletic reports that Liverpool have focused their efforts on signing a number six to bolster their midfield. New coach Arne Slot has identified which areas he would like to strengthen and revealed that the plan is to bring in an elite holding midfielder.

The player who has been mentioned by several British outlets is Martín Zubimendi - including The Times who note his release clause: €60 million (£51 million / $65.5 million.

Zubimendi’s buy-out, the first hurdle for Liverpool

According to The Athletic, the main obstacle that Liverpool face in their pursuit of the Spain international is precisely the release clause. The player’s contract states that the 60 million euro buy-out must be paid in full if a lower fee cannot be agreed between all parties and that is not going to be easy. However, as journalist Fabrizio Romano points out, “talks will continue between the clubs and with the player’s entourage.”

Zubimendi turned down Arsenal and Barcelona

Liverpool are not the first major European club to show interest in Zubimendi, who was part of the Spain side that were crowned European champions last month. However, both Barcelona and Arsenal have been met with rejection from both the Txuri-urdin and the 25-year-old himself. “Liverpool would also have to convince Martín Zubimendi, something other clubs have not managed to do to date,” The Athletic add.

La Real have pretty much completed their squad for the new season. Last week they brought in Luka Sucic in a 10 million euro deal from RB Salzburg to make sure they are fully covered if Mikel Merino ends up leaving to join Arsenal. With LaLiga due to start in just over a week’s time and the team also involved in this season’s Europa League, Imanol Alguacil doesn’t want to lose any more key players at this late stage of the summer.

Then there is the question of convincing Zubimendi - a local lad who, like Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta, started out at Antiguoko, before entering the youth academy in Zubieta aged 11. That isn’t going to be simple either - from what we can gather, the player is happy and settled playing for his hometown club and surrounded by his family and friends - at least for now.

As for Liverpool, they remain the only club in the Premier League yet to make any signings so far this summer. Since the departures of Thiago Alcántara, Joel Matip and Adrián, the Reds have not made any further announcements regarding any incoming movements. Reinforcements are expected in midfield and defence while the futures of three first team regulars, Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold have yet to be resolved.

Although Slot has other holding midfielders at his disposal such as Wataru Endo or the young Stefan Bajcetic, the current Real Sociedad midfielder is a project for both the present and the future. Zubimendi, who made his debut in 2019, aged 20, in the Spanish LaLiga, has played almost 200 games for the Txuri-urdin. But Real Sociedad will not let one of its stars go easily or at any price.