Liverpool are exploring move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as the club look to secure the first signing of Arne Slot’s reign.
Liverpool are yet to make a signing since the Dutchman’s appointment as Jurgen Klopp’s successor but are targeting a defensive midfielder before the deadline.
Reports this week suggested the Reds had identified a target that was not based in the Premier League and The Times has revealed that Liverpool are eyeing Zubimendi.
A deep-lying playmaker, Zubimendi has won possession in the midfield third more times (235) than any other player since the start of the 2022-23 La Liga season
The 25-year-old has a release clause of €60m (£51.4m) in his contract at Real Sociedad and has previously been a target for Arsenal and Barcelona. Liverpool will need to meet the release clause in full if a lower fee cannot be agreed, while the Reds will need to convince Zubimendi to move to the Premier League with the Spaniard content in San Sebastien.
Zubimendi formed part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 in the summer and made four appearances during the tournament.
Liverpool are set to open talks with Sociedad and Zubimendi’s representatives to gauge the cost of a deal.
The Reds failed in bids to sign Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo last summer as the club sought a long-term replacement for Fabinho in a midfield anchor role. Wataru Endo signed from Stuttgart 12 months ago but the Japan international will turn 32 next season and has been linked with a Bundesliga return.
