Martin Zubimendi: Liverpool close in on deal after new talks today
Liverpool are “very confident” of persuading Martin Zubimendi to sign after new talks in the last 24 hours, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that talks with Real Sociedad are ongoing as the Reds try to knock down his price tag.
The 25-year-old has a £51.7million release clause in his contract, but Liverpool are aiming to thrash out a deal which could see a restructured payment plan.
Sources say Sociedad are resigned to the midfielder moving to England, while their Premier League counterparts are growing in confidence that a deal can be reached.
Zubimendi, who was part of the Spain squad which won Euro 2024, had previously attracted interest from Arsenal and Man United, but hinted he wanted to remain in San Sebastian.
Liverpool pushing to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad before 30 August
Zubimendi has been at Real Sociedad for his entire career, having come through the academy ranks, and has previously expressed a reluctance to leave.
The midfielder has made 188 appearances for his boyhood club, but Liverpool believe they can convince him to become a vital cog in their new direction under Arne Slot.
It has been a quiet first transfer window for Slot so far which has seen no incoming deals, but with less than a month until deadline day, they have now made their move.
Zubimendi featured heavily for Spain at Euro 2024 and played 45 minutes in the final, with his performances inspiring interest from England’s elite sides.
Liverpool are pushing hard to get the deal over the line, but sources say Sociedad are sticking to their £51.7million demand as things stand.
Football Insider also revealed on 8 August that a move for former Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot has been lined up in case the deal to sign Zubimendi falls through.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Liverpool would be looking to sign a new number six before the transfer deadline on 30 August.
Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai have been used in that position in pre-season, but Slot remains keen to bring in a fresh option to suit his system.
In other news, Mohamed Salah could quit Liverpool this month.
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