Xabi Alonso and his previous words of praise for Martin Zubimendi should get Liverpool fans excited ahead of a potential transfer.
On Wednesday, news exploded into life that the Reds were in for the Real Sociedad midfielder.
Liverpool are aiming to make significant strides in their pursuit of the 25-year-old, looking to make the Spanish midfielder their first major signing of the summer under new manager Arne Slot.
Zubimendi, who has a £51.7 million release clause in his contract, has emerged as a top target for Liverpool as they look to bolster their defensive midfield options.
Two primary hurdles stand in Liverpool’s way: the full payment of Zubimendi’s release clause and the player’s willingness to leave Real Sociedad.
The Basque club is insistent on the release clause being paid in full which could complicate negotiations.
However, there is optimism that if Zubimendi expresses his desire to join Liverpool, Sociedad would not block the move.
Furthermore, preliminary reports have suggested that the Spanish club have reluctantly accepted that Zubimendi will pursue the move to Anfield.
What did Xabi Alonso say about Martin Zubimendi?
It feels like a long time ago that Xabi Alonso was being touted for the Liverpool job after Jurgen Klopp announced his departure.
Although the Anfield club reportedly reached out to the 42-year-old manager, Alonso decided to continue his project in Germany.
But speaking back in 2022 after completing a move to Bayer Leverkusen, the former Liverpool midfielder was full of praise for Martin Zubimendi.
“Martin’s a player that all coaches would want,” Alonso affirmed.
“He’s generous, and he always thinks more about his team-mates 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.”
In the 2023/24 season, Zubimendi was a standout performer for Real Sociedad. He made 45 appearances across all competitions.
Zubimendi is well-known to Richard Hughes, the sporting director of Liverpool, and shares an agent, Inaki Ibáñez, with Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola.
Known for his exceptional ball retention and passing ability, the Spanish international looks like the exact kind of profile Arne Slot wants in his possession-based approach.
Real Sociedad finished sixth in La Liga last season, and they’ve already seen key players like Robin Le Normand leave for Atletico Madrid. Fellow midfielder Mikel Merino is also attracting interest from Arsenal.
Therefore, it’s fair to say that the Spanish club will be stern negotiators should talks start to advance.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.