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What Real Sociedad’s manager has done after Liverpool make move to sign Martin Zubimendi from him
Liverpool have made their play to sign Martin Zubimendi but Real Sociedad are unwilling to let go of their academy graduate without putting up a fight.
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg says Zubimendi wants to join Liverpool with ‘immediate effect. But Real Sociedad have launched a charm offensive to keep the 25-year-old at the club at least for another season.
With Mikel Merino linked with a move to Arsenal and Robin Le Normand joining Atletico Madrid earlier this summer, the La Liga club are reluctant to lose another key player in Zubimendi.
And it seems that Sociedad are now prepared to go to great lengths in their attempt to retain their prized asset.
Real Sociedad fighting to convince Martin Zubimendi to reject Liverpool
Indeed, the Spanish club’s manager, Imanol Alguacil, has even got involved in the battle to keep his star man from joining Liverpool – will a full scale presentation provided to the Euro 2024 winner in an attempt to keep him away from Anfield.
“Real Sociedad are stepping up a charm offensive to keep Zubimendi at the club. The manager [Imanol Alguacil] has been holding meetings with him almost daily this week to tempt him to stay,” Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele has revealed on his .
“He’s even done a presentation and told him ‘Martin, you love your life here! Look at all the mountains around the Basque area and the lovely food options you’ve got around San Sebastian.'”
“He’s basically asked him if he’ll get all this at Liverpool”
How did Martin Zubimendi perform at Euro 2024?
Arne Slot believes Zubimendi is perfect for the number six role at Liverpool and his performances at Euro 2024 certainly suggest that he could be an exciting addition.
The 25-year-old largely played a rotational role for his nation as they won the international event, with only 140 minutes played across tournament, but it was in the final where he really proved his worth.
When Spain had to replace Man City star Rodri at half-time against England there was a feeling that the momentum could shift in the Three Lions favour.
However, Zubimendi ended up filling brilliantly for arguably the best defensive midfielder in the world and ensured that he was barely missed.
Interestingly, Zubimendi barely misplaced a pass for the whole competition – with his pass accuracy at 97.5% – and that is surely what appeals to Slot the most.
Liverpool already have plenty of technically efficient players in their squad, but it is arguable that they don’t have that metronomic presence at the base of their midfield – with the strengths of Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo lying in other areas.
With Slot wanting Liverpool to play a less direct style this season, it seems that bringing in a ball-handling number six could be crucial, and Zubimendi seems to be the leading target to fill that void now.