Liverpool Moves to Sign Martin Zubimendi

Liverpool FC is actively pursuing the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, as reported by The Athletic. The Merseyside club is optimistic about Zubimendi's potential acceptance of the move, although the 25-year-old has yet to make a final decision. A significant factor in the negotiations is the €60 million (£51.7 million; $63.4 million) release clause that Liverpool would need to activate in a single payment, alongside the need for an agreement between the two clubs. The delay in securing Zubimendi's transfer stems from the complexities surrounding the deal's structure and Liverpool's efforts to persuade the player to leave his boyhood club. Real Sociedad is also keen to retain Zubimendi, complicating the negotiations further. Currently, discussions are not focused on any players potentially moving to Sociedad from Liverpool. Liverpool's interest in Zubimendi aligns with their urgent need for a new No. 6, following the departures of key players Jordan Henderson and Fabinho last summer, as well as Thiago Alcantara's retirement in July. The club has identified strengthening their midfield as a top priority in the current transfer window. Zubimendi, who has been with Sociedad since his youth, has made 187 appearances for the club since his debut in 2019 and has earned 10 caps for the Spanish national team, contributing to their success at Euro 2024. Sociedad has already lost another key player this summer, with Robin Le Normand transferring to Atletico Madrid after a sixth-place finish in La Liga.