Much of the early discussion surrounding Liverpool’s summer transfer plans has centred on a new left-back and a centre-forward to replace the potentially Saudi-bound Darwin Nunez.
Anfield icon Jamie Carragher wants Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike of Bournemouth and Frankfurt ideally to headline a six-man summer recruitment-drive.
Kerkez, one of the Premier League’s stand-out left-backs and a long-term successor for the ageing Andy Robertson. And Ekitike, the latest striking sensation to emerge from Frankfurt’s finishing school.
But while Carragher argues that Liverpool need a more goal-heavy midfielder too – Arne Slot’s version of a Cole Palmer or a Phil Foden – there is also an argument to be made about the addition of a defensively-minded, tempo-setting number six.
Though whether the Martin Zubimendi ship has sailed, at this point, remains to be seen.
Liverpool can still sign Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi for £50 million
As the extremely-reliable David Ornstein explained a few weeks ago, Liverpool may resist any temptation to return for Zubimendi this summer.
The Real Sociedad ace famously rebuffed Liverpool’s advances in 2024, opting to stay in San Sebastian for another year.
And while a departure now feels more likely than ever nearly 12 months on, Arsenal appear to be leading the chase for Zubimendi with Liverpool expected to focus on alternative targets in an array of different positions.
Speaking to Noticias de Gipuzkoa this week, Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay is under no illusions that the Euro 2024 champion will have plenty of options again come the summer. He also confirms that the £50 million release clause in his contract remains.
But, just like a year ago, the final decision will rest with Zubimendi himself.
“We’ll see what happens. All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe, and whatever happens will happen in June,” Aperribay begins. “There’s no point in speculating now about whether he’ll be there.
“He’s had several opportunities to leave and he’ll make the decision he wants, because he’ll have more options.
“When I talk to him, it’s more about goals, pushing [to end the season well]. There is one month left. We’re playing against opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them all. There are no easy or difficult matches. Martin is part of that.
“I don’t know if it’s difficult for him to stay. We haven’t tried to raise the [£50 million release] clause. I don’t think contracts are negotiated like that. It’s more a matter of willpower.
“If he wants to continue the conversation, it will last five minutes.”
Zubimendi said Liverpool offer was not a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ chance
Of course, Liverpool could still return for Zubimendi – who former La Real teammate Kieran Tierney labelled a ‘world-class’ talent – if Wataru Endo departs on the back of a season spent largely on the substitute’s bench. Though, as Alexis Mac Allister rules out a move to Real Madrid, the chances are that Slot and co will pursue a more low-cost Endo replacement while spending heavily on a striker and a top-level left-back.
“I went on vacation, and [Liverpool’s offer] caught me by surprise,” Zubimendi explained back in December. “It wasn’t something I had planned for. I reacted when the situation arose.
“It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay.
“I don’t believe in ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunities. If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush.
“I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club’s project. I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take. It wasn’t that hard of a decision.
“There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me – and that was staying.”
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