Martin Zubimendi looked set to arrive in the Premier League at the start of this season—until he didn’t.
Now, as interest ramps up for him again from multiple suitors, it’s being claimed he feels he should have left last summer.
Martin Zubimendi regretting staying at Real Sociedad, journo claims
As claimed by football Journalist Ben Jacobs, Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi regrets having not left Real Sociedad last summer.
“After not getting Zubimendi in the summer Liverpool didn’t go and get another number six. So we’re in a situation in January where if Zubimendi changed his mind in January or in the summer I would expect both Man City and Liverpool to be in that conversation,” Jacobs said.
“What’s kind of odd with the Zubimendi situation is that there was a real optimism from Liverpool initially, but that very quickly turned to pessimism and the player was under pressure to stay at Sociedad.
“The oddity is that not that much time has passed since he decided to stay at Sociedad, and yet now the feeling is that maybe he’s starting to regret that decision and plan for a 2025 exit.”
Jacobs on Zubimendi’s situation, as quoted by TBR Football.
The 25-year-old was linked with a move to Anfield all summer before he had a change of heart and decided to stay put, which Jacobs claims was not without pressure from the Txuri-Urdin.
Liverpool are now set to face competition for the Spaniard’s signature, with Man City also heavily linked with him.
The Cityzens lost Rodri for the entire season before going on a dreadful run that has left them 12 points off the top of the Premier League table with qualification the Champions League knockouts also hanging in the balance. They’re keen to reinforce in January, having been forced to bring forward their squad-building plans in order to salvage the season.
Zubimendi’s contract, set to run until the end of the 2026/27 season, still has the €60m release clause that was reported in the summer. He has made 21 appearances for La Real this season across all competitions.
TKT Opinion
Real Sociedad can afford to wait till the summer before deciding whether they want to cash in on Zubimendi, though the other parties may not feel the same way.
Given how Liverpool have fared this season despite being thin in midfield, it is understandable if Zubimendi were to feel he could be doing better if he had the opportunity to leave, which he will anyway, last summer. Moreover, Liverpool are savvy operators in the market, they may not sit waiting for him forever and could move on to another one of their targets.
Liverpool, on the other hand, knows they don’t have a free run on him because of Man City’s predicament, who look like they may very well take charge of the situation and approach Zubimendi by activating his release clause.
More Liverpool News
- Alan Smith delivers ‘brilliant’ verdict for Liverpool star despite Tottenham loss
- “If I’m the owner…” – Ex-Chelsea star tells Liverpool what to do about exit bound star
- Liverpool ready to make statement January transfer should ‘opportunity’ arise
It has been reported that Real Sociedad are in no mood to entertain a mid-season exit here, but it’s not entirely in their hands. With Man City in the market with intent, other parties may have to fall in line.
