Liverpool’s position on acquiring Martin Zubimendi as the midfielder seeks a January move

Liverpool sought to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad throughout the summer, but the midfielder opted to remain at his boyhood club, a choice he may now regret, according to reports from Spain.

Zubimendi reportedly wishes to reconsider his decision and is pushing for a January transfer to Liverpool. The Reds had a relatively quiet transfer window, acquiring only two players: Italian winger Federico Chiesa for $13 million from Juventus and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for $33 million, who was loaned back to the Spanish club for the 2024-25 season.

Liverpool was keen to strengthen its midfield and negotiated for Zubimendi for several weeks. Ultimately, the 25-year-old chose to stay with Real Sociedad, where he has been since joining at age 12. However, Estadio Deportivo has suggested that he is now eager to revive discussions with Liverpool and hopes for a renewed approach in January. This would mark a significant shift for Zubimendi, who previously expressed his affection for Sociedad after declining the move.

After winning Euro 2024 with Spain, Zubimendi seemed poised for a Premier League transfer. Sociedad had already lost Mikel Merino to Arsenal for $37.5 million and insisted that Liverpool meet Zubimendi’s $66.5 million release clause.

Liverpool, known for not overpaying, continued negotiations until Zubimendi reaffirmed his desire to stay in Spain. Following the transfer saga, he stated: “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.”

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot remained unfazed by the failed transfer, remarking before the Premier League opener: “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… Zubimendi was one of them, to be fair, but he decided not to come.”

Liverpool won its first three Premier League matches without conceding before suffering a surprising 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest. They quickly rebounded, defeating AC Milan 3-1 in their Champions League opener.

Meanwhile, Sociedad has struggled this season, winning just one of its first six matches and sitting 16th in La Liga, while competing in the Europa League. Liverpool.com suggests that while Zubimendi may not have changed his mind after only six games, and despite Ryan Gravenberch’s strong performances, it’s unlikely the Reds will make a significant investment in January. Zubimendi may have missed his best opportunity to join Liverpool.