€60m-rated star who rejected Liverpool now wants to join the Reds in January - Reports
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has performed a U-turn on his decision to turn down Liverpool this summer, according to Estadio Deportivo. The Spanish midfielder was a priority target for the Reds and the Premier League club had even struck a deal with their La Liga counterparts regarding the move.
However, the transfer broke down after Zubimendi, who reportedly has a €60m release clause, informed the Merseyside giants that he didn't want to leave the Reale Arena. Unfortunately, he has lived to regret the decision.
Real Sociedad have registered an underwhelming start to the new campaign. With the squad weakened by the departures of Mikel Merino and Robin Le Normand, the San Sebastian club are now 16th in La Liga after six games.
They have won one and lost four games in the league so far. Martin Zubimendi is understandably frustrated and plans to jump ship in the winter.
The Spaniard has appeared 194 times for Sociedad since rising through the ranks at the club. He is among the best in his position in the world and is now ready to take the next step in his career.
He has apparently asked Liverpool to return for him at the turn of the year. The Spanish midfielder may have doubted Arne Slot's capabilities over the summer. However, after an impressive start to his Anfield tenure, the Dutch manager may have forced Zubimendi to accept that he made a mistake.
Will Liverpool break the bank for Martin Zubimendi in January?
There were some concerns among fans when Liverpool ended the summer without signing a midfielder. However, Ryan Gravenberch's recent form has ensured that the Merseyside club have no regrets about their decision.
The Dutchman arrived at Anfield from Bayern Munich last summer and had a mixed campaign. However, he has come into his own this season and has dominated games from the middle of the park. Gravenberch has played every minute of every game for the Reds and has made the No. 6 role his own.
As such, Liverpool may no longer have an urgent need for Martin Zubimendi at the moment. The player's reported €60m release clause makes him a costly proposition for the Merseyside club.
The Reds could still pursue a deal for the Spaniard, who would certainly improve their squad. However, there's a belief that Zubimendi may have missed a golden opportunity to move to Anfield when he rejected Liverpool over the summer.