It is set to be a big couple of days in Liverpool’s pursuit to make their first signing of the summer.
The Reds have been patiently watching as their Premier League rivals sorted their transfer business out relatively early into the market.
Meanwhile, Arne Slot was busy assessing his Liverpool squad and trying to figure out where funds could be best spent in the window.
Having come to the conclusion that the answer to that question was in his midfield, Liverpool have been trying to sign Martin Zubimendi.
But having seen Real Sociedad resigned to losing Zubimendi on Wednesday, the Basque club appeared to have some more positive news on Thursday.
Martin Zubimendi yet to decide on Liverpool
For many players, the choice between Real Sociedad and Liverpool at the stage of their career that Zubimendi is at would be relatively simple.
With all due respect to La Real – who are a brilliant, unique institution based in a beautiful city – the Reds would win nine times out of 10.
For Zubimendi, though, the choice is far from clear. As a local boy and a Txuri-Urdin through and through, the 25-year-old is torn.
And according to one outlet from the region, Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Zubimendi really is struggling to decide as Thursday ticks into the evening.
The Spain international is said to be ‘a sea of doubts’ as he travels to Berlin for La Real’s friendly with Union on Friday.
It is claimed that Zubimendi had been ‘quite clear’ that he wanted to move to Anfield on Wednesday. 24 hours on, however, and he is reportedly ‘continuing to think about it.’
READ MORE: How Liverpool’s starting XI could look next season with Martin Zubimendi in midfield
From his club’s point of view, they are said to have ‘activated a plan’ on how to stop Zubimendi from leaving. Much of this method is reportedly based on ‘affection’ but they are trying to persuade the player that they can build a team to compete at the top level, too.
In terms of Liverpool, it’s claimed that Zubimendi is ‘attracted’ to the idea of following in Xabi Alonso’s footsteps, with Alonso said to be a constant source of advice for the player. The chance to at least double his wages is also reportedly in his thinking as well.
Perhaps crucially, some of Zubimendi’s advisors are also said to be telling the Euro 2024 winner ‘not to miss the train’ that is Liverpool’s interest.
Although that message in itself is clear, there is supposedly no answer either way from Zubimendi himself. Liverpool are reportedly waiting ‘nervously’ to hear which way he decides.
Martin Zubimendi including in friendly squad
It is worth noting that Zubimendi has indeed been included in the squad for Real Sociedad to take on Union Berlin on Friday.
The midfielder was seen in training on Thursday which, according to Noticias de Gipuzkoa, could lead to a little more ‘optimism’ from inside the Basque club.
However, they do also note that it is not a ‘significant’ move, as Zubimendi is still very much thinking about leaving.
Perhaps more interesting will be as to whether he actually gets on the pitch against the German side.
If he is held back just a week before the season is due to begin, that could be another clear sign that he is on his way out. Listen to your advisors, Martin!
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