S Poddar
Martin Zubimendi has become a likely candidate to be the first signing under Arne Slot at Liverpool. A massive deal for the midfielder from Real Sociedad is nearing completion.
Bayer Leverkusen manager and former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso has always known Zubimendi. He used to coach Real Sociedad’s B team before, and Zubimendi spent last year under him while playing for this team before he was upgraded to the first team. Under Alonso, Zubimendi developed as they almost earned playoff contention.
Now 25, Zubimendi has become an important player for Spain. Making his first appearance at a major competition in the Euro 2024 opener against Croatia, he would go on to play the vital 45 minutes in the final that saw Spain beat England.
Real Sociedad seem to accept that they will have to sell Zubimendi, who Liverpool are willing to pay the £51.5m release clause for. But Alonso has previously explained why Zubimendi would be a top signing for Liverpool, labeling him as a player that every coach wants. “He’s generous, always putting his teammates first, and has a remarkable ability to generate play and raise those around him,” Alonso said in 2022. “He knows the game instinctively and can organize and lead on the pitch.”
Zubimendi has been quoted as saying he’s grateful for his time under Alonso, from whom he learned a lot about building play and the strategic analysis that accompanied it: “He taught me crucial concepts about bringing the ball out and constructing plays. Often we’d just walk through scenarios with inflatables showing opposition players.
With Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Ryan Gravenberch said to be in contention, Zubimendi could be the one who comes through the doors to offer Liverpool an alternative in the number six position. His game acumen and ability to raise the level of performance around him could prove crucial.
