Can Liverpool actually sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad?

The Reds are linked to the Sociedad No. 6, but he has turned down departing Anoeta before

Liverpool are the only one of the Premier’s League’s biggest clubs not to make a transfer signing this summer. Arsenal, Man United, Man City, and Tottenham have all made signings. Aston Villa, a candidate to become a big Premier League team have also been active. 

 

That could all change by the weekend, when the Reds play Sevilla at Anfield in their final preseason match – although Arne Slot’s men will play in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Las Palmas on Sunday evening. 

Just 12 months ago, Liverpool were forced to address their midfield issues, with the departures of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, and James Milner due to the expiration of their contracts. Not long after their exits, Liverpool sold the duo of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson. 

Despite being forced to focus on rebuilding the midfield with Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai all arriving at Anfield. Of the three players, perhaps the biggest revelation was Endo, who became Jurgen Klopp’s defensive midfield destroyer, protecting the back four. The Japanese international’s impact on the team was noticeable, especially when he wasn’t in the starting XI. 

Endo played 44 times for Liverpool, amassing 2,848 minutes, three goals, and one assist. Perhaps one of Endo’s best performances was in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Chelsea, as he ran himself into the ground for 120 minutes. 

Yet, with a new head coach at the helm, Endo’s days look numbered. The first transfer signing under Slot looks to be a replacement for the Japanese player, with leading transfer gossip gurus predicting Liverpool will sign Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi. 

Zubimendi fits the profile of player Slot wants at the No. 6. What the Sociedad academy graduate lacks in tough tackles, he makes up for with the ability to keep possession, spray the ball around, and link up play. Think of former Liverpool great Xabi Alonso rather than Endo. 

Although multiple media outlets claim Zubimendi will be Liverpool’s first signing of the summer, with a few more to follow, it remains to be seen if the midfielder will actually join the club. 

Zubimendi joined Sociedad at the age of 12 and rose through the academy. He has had offers to leave previously but turned them down to remain at Anoeta. Zubimendi previously rejected transfers to Arsenal and Bayern Munich, preferring to stay closer to home.

Why would this time be any different? One reason could be a former coach Zubimendi played under – Alonso. At 25, Zubimendi has the opportunity to follow in Alonso’s footsteps and join the Anfielders.

The Reds would need to pay €60 million to trigger Zubimendi’s release clause, as Real Sociedad are unwilling to enter into negotiations for a lower fee. Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil wants to keep the player, and the Royals will only allow Zubimendi to leave if the release clause is paid. This could be an issue for Liverpool as the funds will need to be paid upfront.

Zubimendi played 45 times in all competitions last season for Sociedad, racking up 3,735 minutes – an average of 83 minutes per game. The midfielder scored four goals and assisted one. But that is not his game. What is of significance was the mere five yellow cards Zubimendi recorded playing as a No. 6. All five were handed to the player in La Liga, a league in which referees aren’t afraid to hand out cautions. 

According to FBRef, Zubimendi completed 86% of his passes, while making 1.79 tackles per game. He also made 1.12 blocks per match. 

You might ask, “how does Zubimendi compare to Endo?” Last season, Endo completed 88.3% of his passes. He also completed 2.38% of his tackles, according to FBRef. Again, you may ask, “why do Liverpool need a new No. 6?” The answer lies in the style of football Slot plays. 

While Klopp’s football was in your face and fast, Slot prefers building up from the back. Rather than Endo winning the ball and passing it out, the No. 6 needs to be ready to switch play and the point of attack. 

So far, Gravenberch has received praise for his play in the No. 6 role. If Liverpool use a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Zubimendi would fit in next to Gravenberch, Mac Allister, or Szoboszlai. The addition of the Sociedad man would likely mean the exit of Endo. Marseille are one team to already contact Liverpool over the Japanese player’s potential transfer away from Anfield. 

So, is Zubimendi joining Liverpool. Based on him previously turning down Arsenal and Bayern, I’ll believe it when I see it.