Zubimendi wants to move to Anfield this January

Imagine being one step away from joining one of the biggest clubs in the world, only to let the opportunity slip away. That’s exactly what happened to Martin Zubimendi during the 2024 summer transfer window.

Liverpool identified Zubimendi as a crucial summer target to bolster their midfield, with negotiations taking place for several weeks. Despite previous rejections of other clubs, including Arsenal last season, Arne Slot’s side were confident that they could win him over.

However, Zubimendi’s heart remained with Real Sociedad. After the saga concluded, Zubimendi opened up about his love for the Basque club, saying, “Real Sociedad for me is my life. I think I have spent half my life there. A lot of what I am is part of La Real; it is my life.”

The Real Sociedad midfielder now regrets not completing his move to Liverpool and is pushing for a 2025 January move, according to reports in Spain.

Zubimendi U-Turn and January hopes

Martin Zubimendi wants Liverpool move in January. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

Slot too wasn’t impacted by his first failed transfer as Liverpool head coach and said, “It’s not always true that if you bring in new players, the team becomes stronger. I said many times I think our squad is strong and it’s not easy to find players who can help us or can even strengthen the squad.

“Zubimendi was one of them, to be fair, but he decided not to come. He (Richard Hughes, Liverpool sporting director) tried everything to bring him in, but if a player doesn’t want to come, it’s obvious he is not coming.”

However, according to Fichajes, Zubimendi has said yes to the proposal and is hoping that the Reds attempt to sign him during the January transfer window.

This shift could reignite Liverpool’s interest, especially since Martin Zubimendi’s release clause is reportedly set at €60 million—a fee Liverpool would likely be willing to meet, provided the player’s commitment is solid. If the transfer goes ahead, it could be a key move in strengthening Liverpool’s midfield as they continue to evolve under Slot’s leadership.