Liverpool have a strong interest in signing Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi - and the player now faces a big decision over whether to leave his boyhood club or not.
The 25-year-old put in a star performance in the European Championship final for winners Spain when Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or contender Rodri went off injured at half-time against England.
Liverpool are yet to make a first-team signing under head coach Arne Slot and new sporting director Richard Hughes - and both have insisted on going for quality over quantity. Slot last week insisted there is a ‘high bar’ for additions.
But it appears the Reds have earmarked Zubimendi as a top target to strengthen a No 6 department that has been a clear area in need of improvement for some time. It comes after a lengthy due diligence and scouting process.
Wataru Endo signed for £16.2million last August after the club missed out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea following the unplanned exits of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.
Martin Zubimendi impressed with his starring role in the European Championship final
Arne Slot is still yet to make a first signing for the senior side after taking over this summer
Endo had a satisfactory first season at Anfield but the Japan captain is now 31 and, after starting as a substitute in three of four pre-season friendlies, it is fair to presume Slot is not a huge fan.
Zubimendi was born in the same region as Xabi Alonso and shares an agency with the Bayer Leverkusen manager. The agency has close relations with Hughes after they negotiated to bring Andoni Iraola to Bournemouth, the sporting director’s former club, last summer.
Speaking in 2022, former Real Sociedad B boss Alonso said: ‘Martin’s a player all coaches would want. He’s generous, he always thinks more about his team-mates than himself. He has that ability to generate play.
‘To make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move. 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.’
The midfielder, who has 187 appearances for La Real, was described by one Spanish football expert as ‘the next Busquets or Rodri’. He perfectly fits the profile of a player Slot is very keen to sign up.
The player shares an agency with Xabi Alonso, who has also spoken glowingly of the midfielder
Zubimendi has spent his entire career at Basque club Real Sociedad and now faces a huge decision over his future
Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have had a strong interest in the Spanish international in the last few windows
He is adept at ball-winning and defensive positioning but also adept in possession and can progress play with vertical passes. Like Rodri, he is said to be calm on the ball and can beat the defensive press with ease.
It has been reported in Spain that Zubimendi has a £51.4m release clause. But it is far from a done deal with the 25-year-old not agitating to leave the club. Arsenal had also shown an interest in Zubimendi as well as his club team-mate and fellow midfielder Mikel Merino.