Why Liverpool want to sign Martín Zubimendi labelled ‘best’ in La Liga

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€60m release clause 

It’s been an eerily quiet transfer window for Liverpool as they remain the only Premier League team yet to complete a signing this summer. Arne Slot has scrutinised his squad across pre-season after replacing Jürgen Klopp and the Dutch manager has prioritised the arrival of a new No6.  

Martín Zubimendi has been identified as Liverpool’s main target with Anfield chiefs exploring a deal for the Real Sociedad midfielder, according to the Athletic. The 25-year-old has a €60 million release clause in his contract but it will still be a difficult deal to complete as that fee would need to be paid in one instalment and Zubimendi has rebuffed interest from other clubs. Slot has utilised Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szobozslai and Wataru Endo in the deep-lying midfielder role across pre-season to varying levels of success – so why is he determined to sign Zubimendi? We’ve analysed the Euro 2024 winner with expert analysis from Spain. 

Why do Liverpool want Martín Zubimendi?

Slot inherited an impressive squad from Klopp and he’s repeatedly stressed there’s been no panic to add new signings this summer. After beating Manchester United 3-0 on Sunday, the 54-year-old reiterated: “The bar is really high for new signings because we have so many good players. It is not so easy to first find a player to meet those standards and then ask, ‘is he available?”

After analysing his squad and trying several options at No6, Slot has decided that Zubimendi would represent an upgrade in that role. The Spain international excelled after replacing Rodri at half-time against England in the Euro 2024 final and he’s perfect for Slot’s possession-based philosophy. Zubimendi possesses exemplary technical skills and he’s incredibly press-resistant – an increasingly important quality for teams aiming to dominate possession. While he’s not a physical specimen, Zubimendi is extremely intelligent and capable of intercepting playing and he’s been compared stylistically to Sergio Busquets.

 “He is probably the best central midfielder in La Liga,” said Iván Fuente, La Liga expert at Transfermarkt. “He is very precise with his passing and he’s able to break lines with the ball while under pressure. He is heir to the dynasty of Spanish midfielders such as Xabi Alonso, Busquets, and Rodri – although he is less physical than all of them. He can win the ball back well but it is very difficult to steal it from him. He showed his level in the Euros final and he’d be a good signing for any top team, especially for those who want to keep the ball.”

Will Liverpool sign Martín Zubimendi?

Zubimendi’s release clause is €10m more than his market value of €50m but that won’t deter potential suitors. The Sociedad midfielder is currently the seventh most valuable Spanish player and his market value has risen by €42 across the last four seasons. 

Liverpool have a genuine interest in Zubimendi but they aren’t the only Premier League club to admire the midfielder. Arsenal were strongly linked earlier this summer but Zubimendi’s Sociedad teammate Mike Merino appears a more realistic signing. There’s also been suggestions that Manchester United could rival Liverpool, while Barcelona are also known admirers. Zubimendi, however, is perfectly happy at his boyhood club and it’s understood that it requires an ambitious project to entice him from San Sebastian as he’s reportedly turned down potential moves already this summer. “I think only a good offer from a top team could get him out of Anoeta,” Fuente added. “He is from San Sebastian and enjoys playing for his hometown club.”