Respected Liverpool journalist reveals if Martin Zubimendi transfer could still happen after shock late twist

A well-regarded journalist has disclosed that Martin Zubimendi’s potential transfer to Liverpool might still be possible, despite reports that the midfielder had turned down the move.

Earlier this month, Liverpool identified the Spanish midfielder, who played in the Euro 2024 final against England, as a definite target.

The Athletic reported that Real Sociedad anticipated Zubimendi, who has a £51 million release clause in his contract, would move to Anfield.

Money was not expected to be an issue in the deal, given the release clause, although in Spain, these clauses typically require the buying club to pay the transfer fee to the player, who then activates the clause himself.

However, Sociedad attempted to persuade the 25-year-old, one of their key players, to remain at the club.

On Tuesday, it was reported that Zubimendi had ultimately decided against the move to Anfield. It was also mentioned that Arne Slot’s side is ‘unlikely’ to seek an alternative to the Spaniard, despite not having made a single signing this summer.

But The Times reported that contract negotiations between Zubimendi and Sociedad are currently ‘problematic’ – leading Reds fans to believe that the transfer might still be possible, though unlikely.

Now, James Pearce of The Athletic has provided an update on whether Liverpool thinks the deal can be revived in a new Q&A.

He said on Playback: “It’s hard to say. I don’t have any indication at this time that Liverpool believes it can be revived.

“If there were an opportunity, they wouldn’t have suddenly lost interest in the last 24 hours.

“But right now, I haven’t spoken to anyone who genuinely thinks it can be revived.

“New contract negotiations and a pay rise were part of Sociedad’s strategy to convince him to stay, but it was never just about wages. Liverpool would have offered much better personal terms than Sociedad.

“It was more about his emotional connection to the club. I’d be surprised if you see a situation where he doesn’t get what he wants financially from Sociedad and then changes his mind and says, ‘Liverpool, can we make it happen?’

“Stranger things have happened in football, but at the moment, there’s no indication from anyone I’ve spoken to that this is going to happen.”