Liverpool are keen on signing Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi this summer.
Last Friday, El Diario Vasco stated the 25-year-old was expected to make a final decision on his future at the weekend.
Monday’s edition of Mundo Deportivo says the midfielder hasn’t decided yet amid interest from Liverpool.
The La Liga side are keen to retain him and are ready to offer him an improved deal. Meanwhile, Arne Slot has made it a priority to sign the Spain international and has personally spoken to the player.
The manager has tried to convince the Euro 2024 winner to join him at Anfield, while his side have told La Real of their desire to pay €60m, which is the figure mentioned in his clause.
Online, Mundo Deportivo add the Spaniard and his club have been aware of Liverpool’s interest for the past two weeks. This is the ‘decisive week’ for the Merseyside club to try and sign him and the release clause and his final decision are the two problems for them.
Liverpool would like to avoid activating the clause since they have to pay the fee in one go. They are looking to negotiate a different payment method with Real Sociedad, who could be open to it, possibly by including a percentage of any fee from a future sale.
His entourage favours a move to Liverpool as they believe he’ll not get another chance to join them. Zubimendi seems to have given his ‘yes’ to Reds director Richard Hughes, before he started to have doubts started in recent days.
The player is concerned about the impact his exit would have on La Real, weeks after he publicly expressed his desire to continue.
Liverpool are optimistic of getting the Spaniard’s approval, while they are still waiting for his final decision. They won’t wait for long and expect him to respond in the coming hours or days.
