Liverpool poised to lose yet another player to Real Madrid following a change of heart

Liverpool have made a strong start to the season under new manager Arne Slot, currently sitting at the top of the Premier League. Slot’s team has achieved victory in five of their first six league matches and won their opening games in both the UEFA Champions League and the Carabao Cup.

This success has occurred despite minimal spending in the transfer market this summer, with Federico Chiesa’s cut-price deal being the only transfer completed. Although a deal for Giorgi Mamardashvili is set for 2025, Slot has effectively utilized the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp.

While Liverpool’s performance has been impressive, it’s evident that the team was eager to strengthen their midfield this summer, and reports indicate that their former top target, *Martin Zubimendi*, has now chosen his next destination.

Zubimendi chooses where he will go next

Although a deal seemed probable at various points over the summer, Zubimendi chose to stay with his childhood club, Real Sociedad, and sign a new contract. However, no new contract has been finalized, and with Real Sociedad currently placed 14th after eight matches, the Euros winner might be reevaluating his future.

According to TBR Football, Zubimendi now wishes to join Real Madrid, despite ongoing interest from Liverpool. This would mean the Reds would lose yet another transfer target to Los Blancos, following the departures of Aurelien Tchouameni, Rodrygo Goes, Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe to Madrid.

The report further indicates that Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester City are also keen on the 25-year-old, complicating Liverpool’s chances of bringing the midfielder back. Real Madrid reportedly aims to have Zubimendi succeed Luka Modric at the end of the season, and the 15-time European Cup winners seem to have caught his attention.

Do the Reds still need Zubimendi?

While a remarkable return for the midfielder isn’t entirely off the table, Liverpool now has their own standout player in Zubimendi’s position.

Ryan Gravenberch, Jurgen Klopp’s last signing for Liverpool, has flourished under Slot and is now performing like a top-tier player in the holding midfield role.

His impressive displays in the center have garnered acclaim from across the football community, leading to the argument that Zubimendi might not even make Liverpool’s strongest XI.

Despite Gravenberch’s excellent performances, the Reds still lack depth in midfield, making Zubimendi a potentially valuable addition. However, it seems Liverpool will encounter significantly more competition than before if they decide to pursue him again.