Liverpool fans are all talking about one man right now – Martin Zubimendi.
In a manner that is eerily similar to how the Reds conducted their transfer business last season, it seems a move to Liverpool has gone from 0 to 100 in the space of a few hours.
Only a couple of days ago, David Ornstein stated that the club were tracking a defensive midfielder who was outside of the English Premier League.
While fans were still speculating who that might be, news emerged that the player was Martin Zubimendi.
Such was the silence on the identity of Zubimendi that no serious stories had emerged of him being linked to Liverpool before then.
This stealth mode transfer move is similar to those of Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Wataru Endo – all of whom joined the club mere days after their names were linked to Anfield.
Since the news of Zubimendi, there have been claims and counter-claims of what is set to happen.
San Sebastian-based journalist Mikel Recalde, who has been sharing updates on the transfer, is probably the closest on the ground when it comes to Real Sociedad news.
The Basque country journalist has provided Real fans with updates on what’s happening with the club and player from a Sociedad perspective.
We’ve managed to get hold of Mikel and asked him to share the latest news with us in an exclusive interview.
DaveOCKOP: Who initiated the contact in this proposed transfer?
Mikel Recalde: The first contact was established by Liverpool, there is no doubt about that.
In principle, Martín thought that he was going to fulfill his contract and play for Real (Sociedad) this season, as he declared during the Euro Cup.
DaveOCKOP: Martin Zubimendi stated earlier in the transfer window he would not be leaving. He now seems open to a move away, what do you think has changed?
Mikel Recalde: It’s complicated to say.
I sincerely believe that Liverpool is a very attractive club and one that is very fond of in the Basque Country, probably because Real (Sociedad) played a UEFA Cup tie in the 70s against the Reds. John Toshack was the coach at three different stages. He became one of the great myths of the club. And Xabi Alonso, one of the best youth players in its history, triumphed with the red shirt.
Alonso is also Zubimendi’s idol. Normally, he is more attracted to this option.
DaveOCKOP: What is the latest from San Sebastian? When do you think Martin will make a decision?
Mikel Recalde: There is not much new. The main news is that the player has been included in the squad for the last friendly that Real will play in Berlin before the start of the season.
The ball is in Martín’s court, who is going to decide his future.
There was a lot of pessimism at the club yesterday when the news broke. In the last few hours, some hope has been regained, but it is difficult for Real. Liverpool has come a long way during these last two weeks in conversations with Martín and his people.
Me? My opinion is he IS going to leave.
DaveOCKOP: How do you think this transfer will finish? Will be become a Liverpool player or stay at Real Sociedad?
Mikel Recalde: This is more opinion than information, my feeling, unfortunately, is that Martín is closer to leaving than staying in Real, even though he still has a lot of doubts. It’d be a big surprise if he stayed at home.
DaveOCKOP: Is it true that Zubimendi has previously turned down a move to Arsenal?
Mikel Recalde: Arsenal was one of the teams that have shown the most interest in signing Martín, but their offer or proposal has not convinced him.
Bayern Munich has been another interested party, as has Barcelona, and it is not ruled out that Real Madrid had him under close control and surveillance.
DaveOCKOP: Will Sociedad plan to play him in any more games or are they waiting to see what happens with the transfer?
Mikel Recalde: As long as he remains a Real player, his coach is going to give him minutes and is going to bet on him while he is still here.
The club will maintain the option of convincing him to stay as long as he continues playing with his shirt.
DaveOCKOP: Who will take the place of Zubimendi in the Real Sociedad team if he does leave?
Mikel Recalde: La Real has been producing very good midfielders in its academy for many years.
The normal thing is that it is his natural substitute, Beñat Turrientes, who is in Paris competing in the Olympic Games in which he is going to win the gold or silver medal despite not having many minutes.
It is logical to think that Real will go to the market to reinforce their midfield, although it is not ruled out that if Merino also leaves, the chosen one will be a player from a more advanced position than Zubimendi.
We would like to thank Mikel for taking the time to speak to us and share the latest information on Martin Zubimendi and his potential move to Liverpool.
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