Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi prepared to leave Real Sociedad next year
Liverpool had been keen on signing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer transfer window this year after his impressive displays for the La Liga side, as well as a triumphant Euro 2024 with Spain. While their interest was well documented and it did seem like the player would imminently arrive, he ended up pledging loyalty to his boyhood club.
The Reds have not rued missing out on his signature by any means as Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch have exceeded expectations this season, but Zubimendi remains on their radar nevertheless. Arguably, he is even a better player than all of Liverpool’s existing midfielders and with a reasonable release clause, there is every reason for his signing to be a priority.
The Athletic correspondent David Ornstein has provided a very promising update on the situation as he significantly bolstered the club’s hopes of landing their chief target by saying the following on a podcast.
“This is a player who came close to joining Liverpool last summer, not for the first time he decided to stay with Real Sociedad. Arsenal have tried previously, Real Madrid, I think, have been linked and others. Some people think that his loyalty to La Real will continue to keep him forever. But increasingly, in the chats I’ve had, there is an expectation now that the summer, he is more ready in his head to move than before. They’ve had more time to plan.”
It is not the first time that Zubimendi opted in favour of staying at Real Sociedad by rejecting interest from elsewhere as he even turned down a transfer to Barcelona some time back. However, it has been speculated that he stayed on this season following a gentleman’s agreement with Real Sociedad to let him depart the club next summer for a reasonable price.

Arsenal’s and Real Madrid’s interest in Martin Zubimendi, however, could at least complicate Liverpool’s pursuit of the midfielder, if not entirely shed water on it. Mikel Arteta has good relations within Real Sociedad and having already signed Mikel Merino from them, the Basque could use his connections to broker another fantastic signing for Arsenal.
On the other hand, Real Madrid is the pinnacle of football for most players, particularly Spaniards, and could offer Zubimendi the chance to achieve something in his home country. Liverpool would be particularly wary of their interest as the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni and Jude Bellingham have turned down moves to Merseyside to eventually join the Whites.
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It remains to be seen when exactly Liverpool will begin formal talks for his signing, though a move in January can be comfortably ruled out considering the player’s cruciality in La Real’s plans.