Liverpool's pursuit of Real Sociedad and Spain Euro 2024 hero Martin Zubimendi could be made complicated by the midfielder's release clause.
According to The Athletic , Liverpool is exploring a deal to sign the 25-year-old, as the club looks to strengthen new manager Arne Slot's squad. Zubimendi has a $65m (£51m/€60m) release clause, and he's being tracked by a number of suitors from the Premier League and elsewhere.
However, Zubimendi's release clause would need to be paid in full to Real Sociedad and the La Liga team are unwilling to move on that figure, which could prove to be a problem for the Reds. Liverpool would also need to convince Zubimendi to leave.
So far in pre-season, Slot has played Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai , and Ryan Gravenberch in the No. 6 role. Gravenberch, in particular, has enjoyed playing under the Dutchman. The Reds ran out 3-0 winners in their final game across the pond against United , with two more friendly games left before the start of the Premier League .
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"Happy to be back, happy to be here and happy to see the faces again," Gravenberch said . "Honestly, I had a good, I think, almost three weeks off and I enjoyed it a lot – mentally good again, not thinking a lot about football [and] just enjoying the holidays. Now we're here again. Hopefully I get some minutes and I can play again."
Gravenberch added on working with Slot: "[He's made a] Really good impressions. He really wants to play football and me personally as well. So, happy that he's here and happy that we can train and play."
The need for a midfielder could also increase should Endo leave Anfield this summer. Earlier in the summer, a bid from Marseille worth $15m (£12m/€14m) was rejected for Endo.
"I also think it would be better to get a No. 6 midfielder," Endo even admitted himself, with the Japan international recognizing he's not the long-term solution for the Reds.
Liverpool will play Sevilla this weekend before gearing up for their opening game of the season against Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town. The Reds will travel to Portman Road as they look to get off to a winning start under Slot.
Meanwhile, Ipswich will be looking to make a big impression on their return to the top flight. The Tractor Boys don't have the players of the financial capabilities to compete with Liverpool but a rocking atmosphere could unnerve the visitors.
Liverpool.com says: A midfielder is a necessity for Liverpool this summer. They have left it a bit late, though. The indecision, or perceived lack of movement, could cost them early on in the season as Slot looks for a temporary, short-term solution in his squad for the No. 6 role. Zubimendi would be an ideal candidate but whether the Reds will pay the release clause in full is another matter.
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