Liverpool appears to be closing in on Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. That’s particularly impressive given his rejections of Arsenal and Barcelona recently.
Liverpool looks on the verge of pulling off a major coup by signing Martin Zubimendi. This would be an impressive move not only in light of his talent,
but because he has previously rejected overtures from both Arsenal and Barcelona.
It was a risky pursuit for FSG, especially once it became public because Liverpool has had more than its usual share of snubs lately. Xabi Alonso decided he wanted to continue at Bayer Leverkusen, Leny Yoro was believed to have his heart set on Real Madrid (and then chose Manchester United), and we all still remember Jude Bellingham and Moises Caicedo from last summer.
Given his previous transfer stance, it would have been no real surprise to see Zubimendi reiterate his determination to stay at Real Sociedad. But Liverpool might just have boasted a trump card.
It’s worth explaining why Zubimendi, 25, is yet to make a big move. In short, it comes back to his bond with “La Real”, which boasts a unique identity.
Unlike Athletic Club, it does not operate a Basque-only policy anymore. Incidentally, the arrival of John Aldridge from Liverpool in 1989 was the first import for several decades.
But like its neighbor, Real Sociedad has a hugely clear Basque identity. Zubieta, the club’s academy, provides a steady stream of players into the first team, which is never short on local talent.
That makes walking away a very big decision. Zubimendi summed up the challenge for suitors when Barcelona came knocking last summer:
“Inheriting Asier Illarramendi’s No.4 motivates me more than Sergio Busquets’ No.5,” he told El Diario Vasco. Known on these shores primarily for having his name butchered by David Moyes,
Illarramendi is a legend of Real Sociedad, indicating exactly where Zubimendi’s loyalties lie.
Meanwhile, Arsenal reportedly made inquiries earlier this summer, also being met with a brick wall.
Spanish outlet Sport reports that the Gunners left with the impression that Zubimendi would only consider leaving for Barcelona or Real Madrid.
Yet according to The Athletic, Real Sociedad now “expects” Zubimendi to make the move to Liverpool.
How has it seemingly coaxed him away from his boyhood club?
For one thing, it illustrates Liverpool’s immense and enduring transfer market pull.
There were one or two concerns that losing Jurgen Klopp could affect recruitment,
but Arne Slot will be delighted to find that is not the case as he pursues a holding midfielder perfect for his new system.
But where Liverpool might have had a somewhat fortuitous trump card over Barcelona and
Arsenal is the place Alonso holds in Anfield folklore. From the ages of 5 to 10, Zubimendi watched his idol thrive on Merseyside.
We’re not just putting two and two together, assuming that Zubimendi loves Alonso because of their shared Basque heritage. In an interview with the Guardian in 2022, he revealed that the former Liverpool star is an “idol and a role model.”
The same profile made it clear that Alonso is a “hero” to Zubimendi, and the “player he most admires.” It’s little wonder, then, that there was a temptation to follow his route to the Premier League.
Despite operating in the same role, they are not the same player. But if Zubimendi joins Liverpool and makes half the impact of Alonso, he will have a very good Anfield career — and following in the footsteps of a Real Sociedad great must be a compelling prospect to someone who loves the club as he does.
Liverpool.com says: If Zubimendi joins, I’d bet good money that we’ll hear Alonso mentioned in his introductory interviews.
Making the same move as his all-time idol must be difficult to resist.
Fortunately, Liverpool also has plenty else going for it.
In the Champions League, and boasting a squad capable of once again
challenging for the top honors, it could make a convincing sales pitch to more or less any target.