It seems that Real Sociedad will not give up on star man Martin Zubimendi without a fight.
This week, news exploded into life that Liverpool had identified the 25-year-old as a top target to reinforce the midfield area.
Unfortunately for Wataru Endo, it looks like Arne Slot is moving away from the Japan international.
The Reds boss wants a more technical player at the base of his midfield, meaning Endo could be relegated to the bench.
Lewis Steele has reported that manager Imanol Alguacil is spearheading the operation to keep the Spaniard at the club.
Zubimendi, who has a £51.7 million release clause in his contract, could yet remain at Real Sociedad amid the latest update.
Signing Zubimendi would allow Liverpool to reposition some of their existing midfield talents.
Players like Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai could be deployed further up the pitch, maximizing their offensive contributions while Zubimendi anchors the midfield.
Despite the transfer speculation, the midfielder has been training with Real Sociedad as normal, and is set to accompany the squad to Berlin where they face Union in a pre-season friendly.
What did Lewis Steele report on Martin Zubimendi?
Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil in spearheading a drive to keep the Spain international at the club amid the intense Liverpool interest.
Alguacil himself gave Zubimendi his debut in 2019 and understandably wants to keep a hold of his star man.
Lewis Steele has outlined that the manager has already meet with Zubimendi multiple times this week to see if he can convince the 25-year-old to turn down the opportunity.
The Daily Mail reporter writes:
“Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil is leading a drive to tempt Martin Zubimendi to stay in Spain, telling him how good his life is in San Sebastián with mountains and good food. Club are planning for him to travel to Berlin today for a friendly.”
“Spanish sources have suggested part of the club’s charm offensive includes reiterating how good Zubimendi’s life is in San Sebastian. The player has a nucleus of friends in the city and enjoys walking in the Monte Urgull mountain region overlooking the Basque region.”
Another tactic the Sociedad boss has reportedly used is fan reaction.
If he were to leave the Spanish outfit, there will be an outcry from the fans, especially after he told El Dario Vasco in July:
‘Where am I going to play next season? I’m going to be at Real Sociedad. I have a contract and that’s where I feel most comfortable.’
If anything, Sociedad’s desperation to keep hold of their academy product shows just how good he really is.
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