Fabrizio Romano reports that Liverpool is still interested in Martin Zubimendi.
Speaking in his most recent YouTube video about transfers, Romano insisted that Liverpool’s declared interest in the Spanish midfielder from the summer transfer window remained undiminished.
Romano quoted manager Arne Slot as saying, “Slot says it’s time to move on from Zubimendi because he didn’t join,” in response to a question regarding the issue this past weekend. The players [Liverpool] have are very satisfied, notably Ryan Gravenberch, who is performing incredibly well. significant influence on the incoming boss.
“[Liverpool] made every effort to sign Zubimendi during the summer, even sending [Stefan] Bajcetic on loan. They were even willing to pay the player’s release clause, but the player preferred to stay at Real Sociedad,” Romano went on. “Zubimendi is still a player that Liverpool is interested in because the manager, board, and directors all saw him as a potential addition.”
Except for the season’s first game, Zubimendi has played every minute for Real Sociedad; yet, despite just one victory in their first seven games, the team is currently ranked 17th in La Liga.
The Dutchman has received the highest praise for Ryan Gravenberch, who would have taken over Zubimendi’s defensive midfield role if he had joined Merseyside this summer. He has played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s quick start to the season and has quickly proved indispensable to Arne Slot’s counter-pressing strategy.
Gravenberch’s performance in this way makes it less likely that Liverpool will make another attempt to sign Zubimendi during the next January transfer window. A Gravenberch-Zubimendi match would provide great depth for a Reds squad that feels they should be fighting for all four of the championships they are playing for this season, but the interest is still there.