Liverpool top transfer target issues 'come and get me' January plea

Suraj Radia

19 Sept 2024 19:30 BST
3 min read

Arne Slot, Liverpool — © IMAGO/FootballTransfers

Liverpool’s biggest transfer target from the summer is reportedly having regrets over turning down a move to Anfield after a slow start to the new season for his club.

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Arne Slot’s side were surprisingly quiet during the summer, only making late moves for Federico Chiesa from Juventus and agreeing to sign Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamadarshvili next summer.

The Reds were mainly focused on signing quantity over quality, which led to an approach for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, having activated his €60 million release clause.

Despite reportedly agreeing to join Liverpool, Zubimendi was convinced to remain at his boyhood club by Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil, who is said to have reminded the 25-year-old about his love for the Basque mountains and cuisine.

But the memories appear to not have not had a lasting effect, with Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo claiming Zubimendi has now told Liverpool to make a fresh approach for him in January.

However, the report cites unspecified ‘English sources’ as their basis for the news, throwing doubt into the accuracy of the claims despite suggestion of Zubimendi’s ‘regret’ over the failed transfer.

© IMAGO - Martin Zubimendi was part of Spain's Euro 2024 winning squad.

Zubimendi may have missed boat on Liverpool transfer

Real Sociedad have had a disappointing start in La Liga this season, winning just one of their six games and sitting 16th in the table, having finished sixth last year.

Alguacil’s men have seemingly struggled with losing key players such as Robin Le Normand and Mikel Merino in the summer, hence why the need to keep hold of Zubimendi was so essential.

Consequently, Sociedad are determined to keep hold of Zubimendi and are hoping to build around him to rescue their season.

The Spain international’s contract expires in 2027 and Sociedad will look to renew his deal soon, although Liverpool potentially returning for the midfielder could complicate the matter.

Liverpool have not indicated any future transfer plans as of yet, with the club determined to assess the early days of Slot’s tenure first, while also focusing on new contracts for Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.

However, Ryan Gravenberch has played every minute of Liverpool’s Premier League games this season at the number six role, indicating that Slot may be happy with his options in defensive midfield and potentially ruling out a renewed approach for Zubimendi.