How Martin Zubimendi reacted to transfer speculation as Liverpool steps up pursuit of target

Liverpool's pursuit of Spanish international Martin Zubimendi may require a change of heart from the player himself .

The Reds are keen on making the Real Sociedad midfielder their first signing under new manager Arne Slot. Zubimendi, 25, reportedly has a $63.4m (£51.7m/€60m) release clause in his contract with the La Liga side.

However, this doesn't guarantee a move to Anfield just yet. Tuesday night saw reports suggesting Liverpool were increasingly confident about securing the midfielder's services. But recent whispers from Spain indicate that Zubimendi might choose to remain in San Sebastian.

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Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes' professional relationship with Zubimendi's agent, Inaki Ibanez, and agency, Idub Global, should have given the Reds an advantage in assessing the feasibility of signing the Spaniard before their interest became public knowledge.

And yet, The Athletic , report that while La Real would be willing to let Zubimendi go if he requested a transfer, Liverpool would still need to persuade him to leave Spain this summer.

This could prove challenging, as several clubs, including Arsenal and Barcelona, have previously shown interest in Zubimendi but failed to secure his signature. Prior to Euro 2024, Zubimendi said he saw his future at Real Sociedad, the club he has spent his entire professional career with. "Where am I going to play next season? I'm going to be at Real Sociedad," Zubimendi told El Diario Vasco, via Estadio Deportivo .

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"I have a contract with Real Sociedad and that's where I feel most comfortable." He also said that he consider speculation about his future annoying and that it had bothered him in the past. Zubimendi added: "Yes, it bothered me. And it even got to the point of distracting me a little from what I had to do."

For Liverpool to prise away Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, it would require a shift in the player's public stance, which is understandable given his connection to the club. Zubimendi is settled in San Sebastian, and returned to pre-season training with Real Sociedad earlier this week after celebrating Spain's European Championship success last month.

Liverpool.com says: "Clearly, Martin Zubimendi loves Real Sociedad. It is the club he has spent his entire professional career at and where he feels most comfortable. If Liverpool want to secure his signature this summer, they will have to convince him that the project at Anfield is one that promises success and trophies galore.

"While Real Sociedad also expect Zubimendi will move on, it is ultimately up to the player. The 25-year-old has reportedly turned down the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona in the past, something which could be a cause for concern at Anfield."