La Liga club resigned to losing Martin Zubimendi this summer amid Liverpool interest – Reports

Feyenoord v Excelsior Rotterdam - Dutch Eredivisie - Source: Getty

Real Sociedad are apparently resigned to the departure of midfielder Martin Zubimendi, a Liverpool target. The 25-year-old is coming off a Euro 2024 triumph with Spain last month.

Zubimendi has been with Sociedad since the 2018-19 season – having come up through their ranks – contributing eight goals and seven assists in 188 games across competitions. That includes four goals and an assist in 45 outings last season.

Despite being contracted with them till 2027, Sociedad reckon he has played his last for them. As per Noticias de Gipuzkoa (via Football Espana), Zubimendi has spurned interest from Barcleona, Arsenal and Bayern Munich and is looking likely to arrive at Anfield.

The Reds have commenced discussions with Sociedad and are ready to pay his release clause of €60 million. Zubimendi is also said to be open to the idea of playing in the Premier League.

With Sociedad not playing in the UEFA Champions League this season, the player is set to move on. Zubimendi played four games in La Roja’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, beating England 2-1 in the Berlin final to become the first four-time European champions.

What’s next for Liverpool?

Liverpool have had a largely fruitful pre-season. After starting off with a surprise 1-0 loss to Preston North End at the AXA Training Centre in Kirby, the Reds beat La Liga side Real Betis by a solitary goal at the Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s winner.

Arne Slot’s side then beat Arsenal 2-1 at the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia before thumping Manchester United 3-0 at the Brice Stadium in South Carolina to end their tour of the US.

The Reds’ pre-season is not over yet, though, as they have matchups scheduled with Sevilla and Las Palmas – both on the same day – at home on August 11. Slot’s side commence the 2024-25 season in right earnest at newly promoted Ipswich Town six days later.

Having finished third in the league in what turned out to be legendary manager Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge, the Reds will look to break into the top-two and thwart Manchester City’s bid for an unprecedented Premier League five-peat.