Real Sociedad has ‘resigned’ to losing their star player, Martin Zubimendi, as his transfer to Liverpool approaches

Liverpool has been waiting patiently for a new midfield player, but Arne Slot’s team may soon be closing in on Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad.

According to reports, Real Sociedad seems content that Martin Zubimendi would go to Liverpool.

The Spain international Zubimendi has previously been associated with a number of Premier League teams, the most prominent of which being Arsenal. Although he had earlier stated that he would love to remain in San Sebastian and play for La Real in the Champions League, a move may now be imminent.

However, Liverpool has now entered the race in an attempt to make their first acquisition following the hiring of new manager Arne Slot. Prior to this, Zubimendi claimed to be “most comfortable” with Real Sociedad, but it could be difficult to turn down a high-ball offer.

It is believed that the 25-year-old has a £51.5 million release clause, although it is unclear if a lesser offer would still be sufficient. As of right now, the Basque Country’s local media report that a settlement is more likely than not.

According to Noticias de Gipuzkoa (via Sport Witness), the footballer is thinking of approaching Liverpool because they seem serious about making a move. An ‘climate of resignation’ is mentioned in the same source regarding Anoeta.

It’s said that Richard Hughes, the head of transfers at Liverpool, gets along well with Zubimendi’s representatives. Andoni Iraola, who was named manager of Bournemouth during Hughes’ tenure at the club, is represented by the same agency.

Since the midfield player’s contract expires in2027, there’s not really a pressing need to cash in. However, it will be beyond La Real’s control if Liverpool fulfils the release clause.

As Slot’s ideas started to pay off, Liverpool won three games out of three on their preseason tour of the United States. The former Feyenoord manager has been connected to several new players, but he has insisted that each one must live up to his high standards.

“We have so many good players so it is not so easy to first find a player to meet those standards and then is he available?” Slot stated. It’s not always simple to locate a player who can assist us, but Richard is putting a lot of effort into it. Let’s see where this goes. “Then we have to find an agreement with them.”

Liverpool, who placed third in the Premier League the previous year, will travel to newly promoted Ipswich Town to kick off their inaugural season under Slot. They play two friendlies against Las Palmas and Sevilla on August 11 before that, though.