Martin Zubimendi is a name Liverpool fans across the world are probably tired of hearing at this point in time.
The Spaniard was Arne Slot’s first choice target in the summer transfer window as the Reds launched a move to secure his services after his triumphant Euro 2024 campaign with Spain.
However, despite initially wanting the transfer, Zubimendi rejected Liverpool in favour of staying at Real Sociedad as he wasn’t ready to leave his boyhood club.
It’s been only a few months since he snubbed a move, but it now appears as if he has already had a change of heart.
Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi likely to leave in summer 2025
Liverpool remain interested in Zubimendi despite his initial snub, having decided against pursuing alternatives to him in the summer.
He opted to remain at his boyhood club due to pressure from the San Sebastian faithful as the club had already lost Mikel Merino to Arsenal and Robin Le Normand to Atletico Madrid.
However, a report from The Athletic states that the Spanish international is slowly coming to terms with the possibility of leaving Real Sociedad in 2025, although a departure in the summer is more likely than in January.
As the Athletic’s transfer correspondent, David Ornstein wrote: “Multiple well-placed sources believe Martin Zubimendi is now coming to terms with the idea of leaving Real Sociedad — and anticipate that happening next summer.
“Some around the situation are less sure; they think in the end, Zubimendi will change his mind and ultimately opt to stay, as we have seen before.
“But most recent conversations suggest things are different on this occasion, and that with time for him and Real Sociedad to prepare, rather than rush a decision, he will depart.
Both parties would have enough time to plan for his eventual departure, which wasn’t the case this summer as Liverpool pressed ahead with a move with just a month left for the transfer window to slam shut.
The report reiterates that 2025 could finally be the time Zubimendi departs San Sebastian – with the situation believed to be different this time around as his boyhood club would have enough time to plan their next steps.
Are other clubs interested in Zubimendi?
Arsenal and Manchester City have also been credited with an interest, but Liverpool are leading the race to sign Zubimendi.
The Reds have opted to use Ryan Gravenberch as a number six after they failed to sign the Spaniard and it’s safe to say it’s worked out quite well for them.
However, Zubimendi’s potential arrival would bring more balance to Slot’s team and give them another option for the deeper midfield role.
Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton are already at the club, but judging by Slot’s tenure so far, neither of them seems to be held in high regard by the manager.
Zubimendi has a £51m release clause in his contract and the Reds were ready to trigger it last summer if they got the go-ahead from the player.
That never happened, but could it be second time lucky for Liverpool? Time will tell.
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