Who is Martin Zubimendi? It is likely a question on the lips of some Liverpool fans who are not too aware of Real Sociedad’s midfield gem.
On Wednesday, news emerged from all the big hitters including David Ornstein and Paul Joyce that Liverpool were correctly interested in the Spanish international.
It is thought that Arne Slot wants a different profile at the base of his midfield, one perhaps more technically inclined than Wataru Endo.
During the 2023/24 season, Zubimendi made 31 La Liga appearances, scoring four goals and providing one assist.
His performances were pivotal in helping Real Sociedad secure a place in the Champions League knockout stages.
Zubimendi’s exceptional season also earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team for Euro 2024, where he played a significant role, particularly in the final against England.
However, it is already not looking like a clear run at the Spaniard, with hurdles like his release clause and convincing him of a switch to Anfield also needing to be overcome.
And as we will find out, the 25-year-old enjoys a strong bond with Real Sociedad and will presumably not force a move out of his own volition.
Who is Martin Zubimendi?
Martin Zubimendi Ibáñez, born on February 2, 1999, in San Sebastián, Spain, has steadily risen through the ranks to become one of the most promising midfielders in Europe.
His journey began in the youth ranks of Real Sociedad, the club that nurtured his talents from a young age. Zubimendi joined Sociedad’s youth academy, Zubieta, in 2011 at the tender age of 12.
As we can already see, he was born in the city that Real Sociedad is in and has been a Real Sociedad player for just about as long as he can remember at this point.
Known for its rigorous training programs and emphasis on technical skills, Zubieta played a crucial role in shaping Zubimendi’s footballing abilities.
During his time in the youth academy, Zubimendi stood out for his exceptional understanding of the game, positional sense, and passing accuracy.
His performances in various youth tournaments did not go unnoticed, earning him a reputation as one of the brightest prospects in Spanish football.
The start of something special
Zubimendi made his professional debut for Real Sociedad B in the Segunda División B on April 25, 2017.
His impressive displays at the reserve level quickly caught the attention of the first-team coaches.
The 25-year-old had to work for it though and racked up 50 appearances for the second team before being afforded a chance with the senior team.
In the 2019/20 season, he had made his debut for the senior team in La Liga and it’s fair to say he has not looked back since.
Over the following seasons, Zubimendi established himself as a key player for Real Sociedad, known for his ability to control the tempo of the game and his defensive capabilities.
In just four seasons, the midfielder has racked up 188 appearances for Real Sociedad and is well on his way to becoming a real club icon.
His consistency and skill set earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team, where he debuted in 2021.
By 2024, he has cemented his place in the national team, contributing significantly to Spain’s midfield dynamics.
There is a running theme here, and that is he has achieved all these things alongside Real Sociedad, and it looks like it may prove challenging him to coax him out of his native country.
His 2023/24 season: entering the mainstream
In the 2023/24 season, Zubimendi’s performances were instrumental in helping Real Sociedad secure a spot in the Champions League knockout stages.
His ability to break up play, coupled with his precise passing, made him a standout player in La Liga.
Additionally, he played a crucial role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024, stepping up in the final against England to replace an injured Rodri.
Speaking in 2022, former Real Sociedad B boss Xabi Alonso said:
“Martin has the mark of Zubieta [Sociedad academy].”
“He is 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 organise, the axis. I loved working with him.”
The 25-year-old ended up playing pivotal role in Real Sociedad’s midfield during 2023/24.
Zubimendi made 45 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing one assist.