Manager claims Liverpool were ‘willing to pay’ the release clause for 10-cap Int’l



Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer.

However, recent reports suggest that the move has collapsed and the 25-year-old midfielder has chosen to stay at the La Liga club. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has now revealed that Liverpool were ‘willing to pay’ the midfielder’s release clause to sign him.

He said to Noticias De Gipuzkoa: “It is clear that there are no two players like Le Normand and Merino, and Real Madrid will not be able to replace those players with the same level. And I won’t even tell you if Zubimendi had left. There is a reason why Arsenal wants Merino and Liverpool was willing to pay Zubimendi’s release clause.”

It seems that the 10-cap Spanish international chose to turn down a move to the Premier League club and stay at his boyhood club.

It will be interesting to see if Liverpool decide to bring in another midfielder before the summer transfer window closes. They need more quality and depth in the middle of the park, especially after the departure of Thiago Alcantara. Liverpool need someone who can control the tempo of the game and dominate midfield contests.


 SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – JANUARY 02: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and Deportivo Alaves at Reale Arena on January 02, 2024 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Liverpool need midfield reinforcements

They will be hoping to push for major trophies this season and the Reds need to plug the weaknesses in their squad. Signing a quality midfielder will be one of their priorities. Liverpool failed to challenge for the league title last season and they will look to match up to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City this time around. It will be interesting to see if they can bring in the right additions before the summer transfer window closes.

As for Zubimendi, he has been a key player for club and country over the last 12 months, and he will look to continue impressing in La Liga. It will be interesting to see if any club decides to make a move for him in the near future. There is no doubt that he is a quality player and he could have been a solid acquisition for Liverpool.