Liverpool decide on £52m release clause

Liverpool are on the lookout for a new central midfielder and have reportedly identified Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as a possible candidate.

The Reds have yet to sign a first-team player this summer but are believed to be favourites to sign Zubimendi.

The Spanish playmaker has been on the radar of several top clubs, but none have successfully convinced him to make the move. That could change, however, as The Athletic’s David Ornstein recently claimed that sources within Sociedad expect the player to agree to a move to Anfield.

More stories / Latest news

There is still a lot of work to be done before an agreement can be reached and a transfer announced.

Liverpool make decision on Martin Zubimendi release clause

The good news for Arne Slot, however, is that according to Fichajes, key figures within Liverpool have agreed to pay the Spain international’s release fee, which is reportedly worth £52 million (€60 million).

If he is brought in and a deal is completed, the 25-year-old Zubimendi would become the Reds’ fifth most expensive signing ever, after goalkeeper Alisson (£58.5m), midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai (£64.5m), centre-back Virgil van Dijk (£72.5m) and striker Darwin Nunez (£72.5m).

Since being promoted to Sociedad’s first team in 2020, Zubimendi, who has three years left on his contract, has scored eight goals and provided seven assists in 188 games in all competitions.

The playmaker has won three major trophies in his professional career, including the 2019-20 Spanish Cup and this summer’s European Championship.