Xavi and Xabi Alonso agree on Martin Zubimendi as Liverpool told all it needs to know

Liverpool has been told all they need to know about Martin Zubimendi by two legendary Spanish midfielders .

The Reds have identified the 25-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder as their priority target this summer, with Zubimendi available for $63.4m (£51.7m/€60m) due to a release fee clause. Liverpool remain locked in talks with the La Liga side, and are said to be trying to negotiate a deal that would see them pay less than the $63.4m release fee clause, which would need to be paid in full upfront.

Instead, they are trying to negotiate a deal with La Real that would ultimately see them pay more for the midfielder in the long run, but in instalments that would be favourable to them. Zubimendi is reportedly keen on the move, but Real Sociedad have also attempted to make a last-ditch attempt at convincing the Spain international to stay.

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Previously, Zubimendi, who Liverpool view as their long-term answer to the number six role they have been looking to fill for over a year, has reportedly turned down moves to Arsenal and Barcelona. The midfielder has a strong connection with his current club, having spent the entirety of his professional career there.

It's easy to see why La Real want to keep Zubimendi, who impressed during the second half of Spain's European Championship final win over England. Zubimendi replaced Rodri at half-time, the best holding midfielder in the world, and Spain arguably looked better for the substitution.

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And the Real Sociedad man has also drawn praise in the past from two legendary Spanish midfielders in the form of Xavi, and former Liverpool star turned Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.

Speaking whilst in charge of Barcelona, Xavi described Zubimendi as "an extraordinary defensive midfielder". Xavi told Mundo Deportivo : "I like all of Real Sociedad. They mirror a bit our style of play. Zubimendi is an extraordinary defensive midfielder, he understands the model we like at Barça, he dominates with and without the ball."

And his words were echoed by Alonso, who worked with Zubimendi during his time as Real Sociedad's B team boss. Speaking to the Guardian back in 2022, Alonso said: "Martin’s a player all coaches would want. He’s generous, he always thinks more about his teammates than himself."

"He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move. He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organize the axis. I loved working with him."

Liverpool.com says: "We'll keep this brief; if Xavi and Xabi Alonso are singing Zubimendi's praises, that should be all Liverpool fans need to know about his quality."