Liverpool given Zubimendi transfer ultimatum as Slot thrown January lifeline

Martin Zubimendi was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer but, despite the Reds' best efforts, he remained at Real Sociedad

Martin Zubimendi reality as Liverpool 'u-turn' reports emerge from Spain

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Liverpool cannot escape the shadow of Martin Zubimendi. The Spaniard continues to be linked with a move to Anfield even months after a move from Real Sociedad fell through at the 11th hour.

Liverpool believed that Zubimendi wanted to leave Sociedad and had been convinced to join their new project under Arne Slot. However, a late charm offensive from Sociedad persuaded Zubimendi to reject the chance to make the switch to Anfield, with the Spain international later informing Richard Hughes he would remain at his boyhood club.

It's believed that Zubimendi, who sees his contract expire in June 2027, still has a release clause in his deal worth €60m (£51.7m), a sum Liverpool were prepared to trigger this summer. So, with that being said, journalists at the ECHO have given their thoughts on the midfielder and whether the Reds should revisit a deal in January.

Ian Doyle

There would appear absolutely no chance that Martin Zubimendi will turn up at Liverpool during the January transfer window. Anyone falling for such claims perhaps needs to take stock of the reality of the situation.

Zubimendi put Liverpool in a difficult and in some ways embarrassing position when he went back on his indication he would move from Real Sociedad to Anfield last month.

This isn't like the Virgil van Dijk transfer of seven years ago, when the Dutchman very much wanted to make the transfer before Southampton put a temporary hold on proceedings until the following January.

Transfers are often as much about timing as availability, and it's almost certain Zubimendi's chance of moving to Liverpool has now gone. As Arne Slot said on Friday, the Reds have now moved on.

Joe Rimmer

The idea that Liverpool will return for Martin Zubimendi might seem to make sense but in reality, does not necessarily stand up to further scrutiny.

Indeed, reports from Spain that Zubimendi was already regretting his decision to turn down Liverpool seem slightly far fetched. It was only a matter of weeks ago that the 25-year-old made the decision to stay in San Sebastian and it's hugely unlikely he's already u-turned on that call.

Just because Liverpool moved for him in the summer, doesn't mean they will pursue him again. Other areas of the team may become more pressing concerns and the availability of other players may change going into January. We also know Liverpool don't like doing a great deal of business in the winter window unless it's absolutely necessary.

And so it all feels a bit of a stretch right now. There are months to go until the January window opens and much can change until then.

Kieran Horn

Liverpool going back in for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi certainly seems a possibility but there are two reasons why perhaps they shouldn't. Firstly, the Spain international has already turned down a potential move to Anfield and it is unlikely his stance will have changed in just a few months.

Given he has also previously rejected Arsenal and Bayern Munich, the 25-year-old staying in Spain, at least in the short-term, seems the most likely scenario. Secondly, Ryan Gravenberch's emergence in the holding role, while not his favoured position, makes it clear focus should be elsewhere.

Arne Slot has a plethora of options in every position but the Reds are lightest in defence and that is why signing a centre-back should be the priority, either in January or next summer.

Jake Stokes

Liverpool should absolutely try revisit a deal for Martin Zubimendi in the January transfer window. Not only will it be a signal of intent in the Premier League title race, but it'll also show Arne Slot that the club are invested in his project.

The Reds gifted their new head coach with just two new signings; Federico Chiesa, who was signed from Juventus late into the summer, and Giorgi Mamardashvili, who returned to Valencia on loan. If Liverpool want to rival Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League, as well as the other honours that are up for grabs, they'll need world-class quality in the midfield.

Sooner or later, the Reds will need to sign a top young holding midfielder. So, Liverpool should be proactive and wrap up unfinished business in January before a rival intervenes...

Isaac Johnson

Ryan Gravenberch has played superbly so far but he is not a natural sitter like Zubimendi. If Liverpool are to go for the big honours, they need an expert pivot.

Fans will remember how vital Fabinho was during Jurgen Klopp’s pomp at Anfield and the current team lacks a figure of his ilk. Despite the admirable start to the season from present options, Liverpool have been bypassed in midfield on several occasions.

The Reds are yet to face a top-tier side that makes a knack of slicing open a midfield this season, so that’s where the real litmus test will lie. It’s easy to see how Zubimendi, 25, would plug the gap.

Liverpool have a track record of shrewd January signings - Virgil Van Dijk, Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez to name a few. Having spent so little over the summer, there is no reason for FSG to refuse a mid-season approach for Zubimendi. The case for his transfer could get stronger as January draws closer.

Tom Coley

It is still early days for Arne Slot at Liverpool but if they want to go up a level then finding the perfect No.6 is going to be necessary. The best teams in the world have the position locked down.

Arsenal have Declan Rice, Manchester City own Rodri, and Real Madrid have more than one side needs. Liverpool have made do so far, and with impressive results, but a specialist is needed.

Gravenberch has done enough to keep a spot for now but he's not as natural as someone like Zubimendi. The issue is, if he didn't want to move in the summer why would that change come January?

Zubimendi is exactly the right sort of place for Liverpool to go after but that doesn't mean it is easy or possible to actually get a deal over the line.

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