Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi reportedly regrets his decision not to join Liverpool in the summer transfer window, giving the Reds future hope of getting their man.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a fantastic summer at international level, winning Euro 2024 with Spain and impressing as a substitute in the 2-1 victory over England in the final.
Zubimendi emerged as Liverpool’s top transfer target throughout the summer window, with Michael Edwards, Richard Hughes and Arne Slot considering him the strongest option to come in and excel in the No.6 role in front of the defence.
The Reds were dealt a big blow when the Spaniard opted to remain at Sociedad, however, and a replacement midfielder ended up not arriving at Anfield.
While Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are shining in a double pivot so far this season, many still feel as though a natural No.6 is needed, and Liverpool have been boosted after a new development regarding Zubimendi.
According to Estadio Deportivo [via Caught Offside], the Sociedad ace is now regretting his decision not to join the Reds when he had the chance.
Zubimendi is hoping to potentially move to Liverpool in the January transfer window instead, should the Merseysiders’ interest in him remain strong at that point.
Our thoughts on this fresh Zubimendi development…
Reds supporters are sure to be buoyed by this latest claim, considering how perfect the Spain international appears to be for Slot’s side, in terms of knitting things together from deep.
As mentioned, Gravenberch and Mac Allister deserve real credit for their performances this season, but neither are as defensively switched on or savvy in the No.6 role as Zubimendi.
This season, he has averaged 2.2 clearances per game in La Liga for Sociedad, for example, while Gravenberch and Mac Allister have respective tallies of 0.8 and 1.0 for Liverpool in the Premier League.
Should Zubimendi demand a move away from Sociedad in January, sporting director Hughes should do everything possible to work his magic and bring the European champion to Anfield.
He would bring balance to the midfield, allowing others a little more freedom further up the pitch, and hopefully make a similar impact to Fabinho when he arrived from Monaco back in 2018.
