When a player from a Basque club is linked with a move to the Premier League, it’s always best to see what their very reliable local media is saying.
It’s distinct from the general Spanish media and they have very good sources, both at club and player level. Therefore, when Liverpool were said to be serious about signing Martin Zubimendi, we waited for a Basque response.
Now it has come, via Noticias de Gipuzkoa. It’s worth noting the newspaper conducted a lengthy interview with the midfielder earlier this year. During that chat he repeatedly made clear how happy he is at Real Sociedad. Basically, he talked down a transfer.
So, when he’s been linked with clubs since, they often just wheel out sections of that chat and dismiss it all. This time it’s different.
Noticias de Gipuzkoa report Liverpool are ‘serious’ about the signing and Zubimendi ‘is thinking about it’.
Real Sociedad are said to know the Reds are willing to deposit the player’s €60m clause, whilst the midfielder is ‘very attracted’ by the prospect of the transfer.
They go on to say: ‘Liverpool are seriously coming for Martin Zubimendi and everything seems to indicate that, unless the player changes his mind, their offensive could be successful.’
A key factor could be the player’s agents. It’s explained he’s represented by IDUB, and they have good relations with Liverpool’s Richard Hughes. That’s because of negotiations at the time of Andoni Iraola’s move to Bournemouth.
There’s said to be an ‘atmosphere of resignation’ at Real Sociedad, with it likely now down to the player, him tempted, and facing the potential of more than doubling his wages.
