The identity of Liverpool’s mystery target in defensive midfield has been revealed.
Having kept their powder dry in the transfer market up until this point, the Reds had reportedly picked their main option to add to the midfield.
After plenty of speculation over who that could be, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has emerged as the man Liverpool want.
After impressing, and winning, with Spain at Euro 2024, Zubimendi has caught the eye of Arne Slot and the transfer team at Anfield.
As the Reds launch their charm offensive to make the 25-year-old Slot’s first signing at the club, though, it sounds like it is far from being a done deal.
Liverpool face Martin Zubimendi difficulty
The news that Liverpool are targeting Zubimendi has been met with joy by supporters. The San Sebastian native looks like a supreme midfielder.
Comfortable on the ball, press resistant and composed in tight spaces, we think Zubimendi is perfect for Liverpool’s new-look midfield.
You can easily see how the Spain international could slot in alongside Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and the rest of the Reds’ current midfield options.
As Zubimendi has a release clause in his contract, there is no need for Liverpool to negotiate with Real Sociedad to get their man.
READ MORE: Kieran Tierney explains how Martin Zubimendi has become a ‘world class’ midfielder
However, according to The Athletic, that does not make this a straightforward transfer.
They claim that the £51.7m exit clause would need to be paid in full at this stage, which could make matters difficult.
It is reported that this is up to the digression of La Real, though, meaning that Liverpool could potentially negotiate more favourable terms. Should they be unable to do that, however, it could prove a complication.
A second issue could arise in the Zubimendi is said to ‘need convincing’ to leave his hometown club. Both Arsenal and Barcelona are claimed to have tried to sign the midfielder in the past, only for Zubimendi to have stayed loyal.
Liverpool can play Zubimendi secret weapon
If this all sounds very familiar to Liverpool supporters of a certain age, then there’s very good reason for that.
Rewind exactly 20 years, and the Reds were trying to convince another young midfielder from San Sebastian to swap his boyhood blue and white stripes for the Red of Liverpool.
Things worked out just fine for Xabi Alonso, who went on to become a Liverpool legend. And as the Reds try and lean on Zubimendi, perhaps they can count on the support of Alonso.
Xabi managed Zubimendi while he was cutting his teeth with Real Sociedad’s B team. Unsurprisingly, the now Bayer Leverkusen manager was impressed by what he saw.
“He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organize the axis. I loved working with him,” said Alonso.
Maybe it’s time to pick up the phone to Liverpool’s former No.14 once again in 2024.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
