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Liverpool handed a significant advantage in pursuit of summer target

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By Atharva Khadilkar

Liverpool target Zubimendi prepared to leave in January

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi was the chief target for Liverpool and Arne Slot for much of the summer until the Spanish international pledged loyalty to his current side and decided against departing the club that summer. It was thought that he would spend the entirety of 2024/25 at the Reale Arena on the condition that he would be allowed to leave San Sebastian next year at a fair price.

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The Times has reported that Zubimendi has made a stunning U-turn on that decision and is willing to leave for Anfield in the summer itself. He has a release clause of £51 million in his contract at Real Sociedad, a sum that the Basque side is likely to refer to Liverpool or any other suitor if indeed the player plans on pursuing greener pastures in the summer. With that said, Arsenal and Manchester City are also keen on signing him.

Arsenal already signed Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad in the recently concluded summer transfer window. He too was part of the triumphant Spanish Euro 2024 squad. It has been stated in the past that Mikel Arteta could leverage his relationships with the La Liga side to try and execute a deal for Zubimendi. It remains to be seen if he is willing to go to London or wants to consider a challenge at Anfield after being heavily linked with Liverpool for a reasonably long time.

Liverpool could revive their interest in Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi in the January transfer window.
Liverpool could revive their interest in Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi in the January transfer window.

Manchester City, meanwhile, have earmarked Zubimendi as a potential replacement for Rodri, whose season is more or less done after an ACL injury. The Ballon d’Or winner has been pivotal to Pep Guardiola’s side in the last year or two and his absence is very much noticeable, though according to The Telegraph, Zubimendi is concerned that he will lose a starting berth in the Man City starting eleven once Rodri is back and fully fit.

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Liverpool, on the other hand, are expected to be heavily interested, though it remains to be seen if they would be prepared to pay £51 million for their desired man, especially after Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch have picked up a gear or two this season.

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