Joe McConnell
Liverpool are interested in Spain and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The 25-year-old is thought to have a £51million release clause and is also among the midfield options being considered by Manchester United, while Arsenal are long-time admirers.
Zubimendi shone in the Euro 2024 final against England, replacing Rodri at half-time to lead Spain to a 2-1 victory.
He has played for La Liga side Sociedad since 2011 and helped the club finish sixth last season, scoring four goals in 31 appearances.
Sociedad also reached the last 16 of the Champions League, before being defeated by Paris Saint-Germain.
Martin Zubimendi takes on England’s Cole Palmer in Euro 2024 final
Liverpool’s interest explained
A Zubimendi transfer would be the first major deal for Liverpool’s new sporting director Richard Hughes, who said last month that July would be a quiet month due to ongoing international tournaments, but that transfer activity would reach “a crescendo” in August.
Liverpool are the only Premier League team yet to make a signing this summer, with manager Arne Slot keen to find a new No.6 in midfield.
Zubimendi in action for Real Sociedad
The position has needed strengthening since Fabinho’s departure 12 months ago. Japan international Wataru Endo was brought in from Stuttgart late in the window last August for £16m after the club failed to meet other targets, but the 31-year-old was seen as only a short-term solution.
For much of last season Alexis Mac Allister was deployed in the No.6 role and last month Liverpool rejected a £12m bid from Marseille for Endo.
Analysis: Why Zubimendi is in Demand
Vscek’ Nick Wright:
England fans couldn’t believe their luck when Rodri was forced off with injury midway through the European Championship final against Spain. But it’s a measure of the quality of his replacement that their lynchpin’s absence barely made a ripple.
If nothing else, Spain has improved since Zubimendi’s arrival.
Ultimately, Mikel Oyarzabal’s winner was decisive, but his Real Sociedad team-mate was equally influential, silently completing all but two of his passes, winning all five of his duels and making more tackles than anyone else as Spain stifled Gareth Southgate’s side.
Zubimendi’s confident performance, both in possession and without, was a 45-minute display of the qualities that make him one of Europe’s most sought-after defensive midfielders.
Rodri’s presence in the Spanish team has limited his opportunities on the international stage. But he has long been a key player for Real Sociedad, appearing in 103 of 114 La Liga games over the past three seasons, impressing domestically and in Europe, including last season’s Champions League.
At 25, with his best years ahead of him and a defensive and tactical awareness to match his extraordinary playing ability, it is no surprise that he has a long list of suitors.
When does the summer transfer window open and close?
THE Summer Transfer Window 2024 will officially close on August 30 at 11pm (UK time) for the Premier League and 11.30pm (Scotland time).
The Premier League has moved up its Deadline Day to match other major leagues in Europe. The cut-off dates were set following discussions with leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.
