Liverpool reconsiders Martin Zubimendi transfer as Real Sociedad face issues

Just days after Liverpool's bid for Martin Zubimendi fell through, there's a glimmer of hope that the Reds might be able to resurrect the deal - while they have also outlined some other targets .

Liverpool's hopes of bringing the midfielder to Anfield seemed to have sunk when Zubimendi declined the opportunity to move to Merseyside, choosing instead to stay with Real Sociedad. However, since then, all doesn't seem to be rosy between the player and his childhood club .

The Times reports that Sociedad is struggling to secure Zubimendi on a new contract. The Basque club had pledged to make the 25-year-old their top earner, but contract negotiations are not going smoothly .

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Zubimendi reportedly wants the same level of commitment that Liverpool demonstrated, with the Reds allegedly offering him three times his current $64,000 (£50,000/€58,000) weekly salary.

Meanwhile, new reports from Spain suggest Liverpool could make a last-minute attempt to sign Zubimendi. El Diario Vasco claims the Reds are prepared to meet the midfielder's $66.2million (£51.5m/€60m) buyout clause, or even exceed it to seal the deal.

This has sparked some optimism among fans that a deal might still be possible. James Pearce of The Athletic has suggested that this might not be entirely out of the question, although it would be a major surprise at this stage.

In a chat with Born N'Red, the reporter indicated that there's no current sign that Liverpool believes the transfer can be resurrected, even though the club probably still rates Zubimendi despite his earlier rejection of a move.

However, Pearce highlighted that salary wouldn't have been a significant factor in Zubimendi's decision as Liverpool could have easily outbid Sociedad. It's more likely his emotional connection to the club that influenced him.

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