Liverpool is currently the only Premier League club with no plans to make a move this summer. As the transfer window progresses, they continue to explore options to bolster their squad.
New manager Arne Slot is keen on reinforcing the midfield, specifically targeting the acquisition of a new No. 6. Slot believes this position is vital for the team’s success and is actively searching for the right player to fulfill this role.
Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a prominent target for Liverpool in their quest to strengthen the midfield. The Spanish international, who plays for Real Sociedad, has a release clause set at £51m, reflecting his value and the level of investment required to secure his services.
Liverpool waits on Martin Zubimendi’s decision as Arne Slot seeks midfield reinforcements
The 25-year-old midfielder has a £51m release clause in his contract, which has made him a top target for Liverpool this summer. The club is eager to secure his signing.
Real Sociedad is determined to keep the player and has responded by offering him a new contract with enhanced wages. The club hopes this offer will convince him to remain at the Anoeta Stadium rather than move to a new team.
Zubimendi impressed in the Euro 2024 final against England, stepping in for Rodri at half-time as Spain secured a 2-1 victory.
Zubimendi has been with LaLiga club Real Sociedad since 2011. Last season, he scored four goals in 31 games to secure the team’s sixth-place finish.
Sociedad could lose two influential midfielders this summer. Arsenal is also interested in signing Mikel Merino before the transfer window ends. The deadline is pressuring the club to keep their key players.
The reason behind Liverpool’s interest
A transfer for Zubimendi would mark the first significant action for Liverpool’s new sporting director, Richard Hughes. Last month, he mentioned that July would be quiet because of ongoing international tournaments. Still, he anticipated a surge in transfer activity in August.
Liverpool is the sole Premier League club that has yet to make a signing this summer, as manager Arne Slot seeks to add a new No. 6 to the midfield. The team actively pursues new additions to strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes.
Since Fabinho left a year ago, the midfield position has needed reinforcement. Last August, Liverpool signed Japan international Wataru Endo from Stuttgart for £16m as a late addition after missing out on other targets. However, at 31 years old, Endo was seen as only a temporary fix.
Alexis Mac Allister played the No. 6 role for much of last season. Additionally, last month, Liverpool turned down a £12m offer from Marseille for Wataru Endo.
The Reasons Behind Zubimendi’s High Demand: Analysis
England fans felt fortunate when Rodri was injured and had to leave the European Championship final against Spain. However, the quality of his replacement was so high that the absence of their key player hardly had any impact.
Spain improved after Zubimendi came on.
Mikel Oyarzabal’s late goal secured the win, but his Real Sociedad teammate was also highly influential. He completed nearly all his passes, won all five of his duels, and made more tackles than anyone else, helping Spain stifle Gareth Southgate’s team.
Zubimendi’s confident performance, both with and without the ball, showcased the qualities that make him one of Europe’s most coveted holding midfielders in just 45 minutes.
Rodri’s presence in the Spain squad has restricted his international opportunities. However, he has been a crucial player for Real Sociedad, appearing in 103 of 114 La Liga matches over the past three seasons. His performances have been impressive domestically and in Europe, including a notable showing in the Champions League last season.
At 25, with his best years ahead and a great mix of defensive skills and ball control, it’s no wonder he’s drawing interest from so many clubs. His potential makes him one of the most exciting prospects on the market.
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