Martin Zubimendi is said to “regret” staying at Real Sociedad, but some Liverpool fans believe they already have a better option in midfield.
Zubimendi emerged as a key transfer target for the Reds this summer, but he turned down a move to Anfield to stay at Sociedad.
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The La Liga side told the midfielder he would have to pay his own £51 million release clause, while it is said that manager Imanol Alguacil used a charm offensive to lure him into staying in the Basque Country.
Now, however, it seems that Zubimendi has changed his mind after Sociedad lost four of their first six league games.
As the Spanish Estadio Deportivo reported, English media claimed that the 25-year-old “regrets” staying at the club.
While Zubimendi stayed, Sociedad were able to cash in on two other key players in the summer: midfielder Mikel Merino was signed from Arsenal and defender Robin Le Normand moved to Atletico Madrid.
It is claimed that Zubimendi now wants Liverpool to try to re-sign him when the transfer window opens in January.
The defensive midfielder played 194 games for Sociedad, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists, and won the 2024 European Championship with Spain in the summer.
Despite his quality, Liverpool fans claimed on social media that Ryan Gravenberch would still be the preferred choice even if Zubimendi were to sign.
One person told X: “I don’t think we need Zubimendi, Gravenberch has been outstanding this season.”
“Zubimendi is not coming into this Liverpool team. No chance of him coming ahead of MacAllister or Gravenberch! Szoboszlai plays a completely different role so he is not coming in ahead of him either. Zubimendi could be a great squad player,” added a second.
A third wrote: “If Zubimendi really wants to go to Liverpool and the club accepts that, I hope he is the second choice after Gravenberch.”
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Another said: “Gravenberch needs a replacement and Zubimendi fits the bill well. There’s a reason he’s Rodri’s replacement in Spain. He could be Gravenberch’s too.”
Gravenberch has had an excellent start to this season at Liverpool under fellow Dutchman Arne Slot, starting every game.
His performance in the 3-1 Champions League win over AC Milan on Tuesday evening was rewarded with the Player of the Match award.
The Dutch international plays in Liverpool’s midfield alongside Alexis Mac Allister, a duo that works well together.
Should the Reds decide to rekindle their interest in Zubimendi, he would strengthen the already deep pool of talent in their squad.
However, it remains to be seen whether he can secure a place in the starting line-up, considering how well the team has played so far under their new boss.
Liverpool have impressed in every game so far this season, apart from the surprise 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, where Slot came under criticism for his tactics and substitutions.