TalkSPORT reports that Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is the first player Liverpool is willing to recruit under new manager Arne Slot.
Ten days remain until the Reds’ Premier League debut away at Ipswich Town, live on talkSPORT. The team has not added a single player to the first team this summer.
As Jurgen Klopp’s replacement, Slot is expected to arrive at Anfield and have an immediate impact on the forthcoming season.
Arsenal had previously targeted Zubimendi as a midfield transfer target; his signing could bolster his attempts.
A graduate of Sociedad’s youth academy, the 25-year-old’s current deal contains a £51 million release clause that runs out in 2027.
He would undoubtedly be eager to complete a summer transfer to Liverpool.
In 188 games across all competitions, Zubimendi has netted eight goals and provided seven assists for Sociedad.
In addition to winning the Copa del Rey, he was a member of Spain’s Euro 2024 winning team this summer, starting one game for Spain against England 2-1 as a substitute for Rodri.
If Zubimendi joins Liverpool, he would presumably take Thiago’s spot in the midfield, given the latter left at the end of the last campaign.
Although Slot recently discussed their lack of transfer activity and stated that it’s difficult to find the appropriate players to join the team, it’s thought that they have given top priority to finding a new No. 6.
“I am focused on the tour, how we played, what we need to improve, and what we did well,” stated the man from Holland. “As I have stated, we have so many excellent players that the bar is high for potential additions.
Finding a player who fits those requirements is not always simple, and then there’s the issue of availability.
Finding a player who can assist us is not always simple, but [sporting director] Richard Hughes is putting a lot of effort into it. We’ll see what results this leads to.
“My main focus, as I said when I started, was working with the team and preparing them in the best possible way for the first Premier League game and of course for these games as well, and apart from that he is working on things and he keeps me updated every time but my main focus is the team over here.”
Liverpool’s preseason began with a friendly loss to Preston behind closed doors, but they have since won all of their games.
Real Betis, Arsenal, and Manchester United have all been defeated, and on Sunday, Anfield will host the final two tests.
After playing Sevilla at their legendary stadium, Slot’s team will play another match behind closed doors, this time against Las Palmas. The first match will be played in front of spectators.
Before their next games against Brentford and Manchester United and the first international break of the 2024–25 season, Liverpool will visit Ipswich on August 17.
