Liverpool have a back-up option planned if their move for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi fails, according to reports.
Liverpool are now the leading contenders to sign the Spain international this summer, having identified him as their primary midfield target. Following David Ornstein’s report from The Athletic earlier this week about Liverpool’s interest in a specialist No. 6 from outside the Premier League, Paul Joyce of The Times confirmed on Wednesday that the player in question is Zubimendi.
The 25-year-old has drawn interest from various European clubs due to his performances in recent seasons, with Manchester United, Arsenal, and Barcelona all linked to the midfielder.
Zubimendi was a member of Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 team, coming off the bench in the final to assist in their 2-1 victory over England in Berlin.
He is said to have a £51m release clause in his contract with Sociedad, and Liverpool’s new head coach, Arne Slot, reportedly wants him to be “his first signing,” believing that Zubimendi can provide valuable control in midfield.
Slot is reportedly keen on having Liverpool adopt a more possession-focused style of play, with strengthening the No. 6 position with a technical player being a key priority for the Dutch coach.
Ornstein updated the situation on Wednesday evening, indicating that officials at Sociedad anticipate Zubimendi will agree to a move to Anfield, despite the player previously hinting at staying at Reale Arena.
In a recent interview with Spanish publication El Diario Vasco during the Euros, Zubimendi had said, “Next season, I’m going to be at Real Sociedad. I have a contract with Real Sociedad, and that’s where I feel most comfortable.”
Spanish journalist Gerard Romero suggests that it’s not certain Zubimendi will join the Reds this summer.
Zubimendi’s move to Liverpool is not yet certain, and staying another year at Real is also a strong possibility,” he posted on X.
Liverpool appears to be preparing for various scenarios and has reportedly started discussions with another midfield target in case their pursuit of Zubimendi falls through.
Football Insider reports that the Premier League club has reached out to French player Adrien Rabiot, who is now a free agent after departing Juventus this summer.
Rabiot was part of the France squad that reached the semi-finals of the Euros, where they were defeated by Zubimendi’s Spain.
Rabiot, 29, left Juventus at the end of the 2023/24 season after a five-year tenure that saw him win one Serie A title and two Coppa Italia trophies.
He reportedly declined a new two-year contract offer in Turin, opting to become a free agent. Since then, he has been linked with several clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Liverpool.
