Latest developments
- Liverpool are favourites to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
- Arsenal want to reunite him with former teammate Mikel Merino.
- Real Sociedad are resigned to losing him in January for €60 million.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): No secret that Zubimendi wants out
Real Sociedad are expecting to lose Martin Zubimendi in January, with Liverpool the frontrunners to sign the 25-year-old Spaniard, but not for less than his €60 million release clause, with Arsenal showing interest, too.
This news comes from todofichajes.com in Spain, where it seems to be common knowledge that Zubimendi wants to leave the San Sebastian side.
Value (4.5/5): Release clause meets valuation
Even with the current state of the transfer market, €60 million is still a lot of money for a defensive midfielder. But, according to Transfermarkt, that is exactly what Zubimendi is worth.
Arsenal signing Mikel Merino from the same club in the summer means Liverpool should not have too much competition, though the Gunners potentially wanting to reunite the pair could start a bidding war.
Suitability (5/5): Liverpool lack a proper DM
Arne Slot's insistence on playing a 4-2-3-1 formation has been working out very well at Anfield so far, even though centre-midfielders Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch have been playing in defensive roles.
Results like a narrow 3-2 win over lowly Southampton at the weekend suggests Liverpool can benefit from a top class defensive midfielder in their ranks.
Upgrade? (4.5/5): Endo shown the door?
Liverpool do have one first team defensive midfield option, Wataru Endo, but he has struggled for minutes under Slot and is rumoured to be leaving in January.
Zubimendi has only ever played for La Real at club level, but his UEFA Euro 2024-winning exploits with Spain suggests he can adapt to different elite sides.
Logic (4.5/5): Clearly defined role at Anfield
Joining a team who are top of the Premier League table, yet still in the very early stages of a new chapter will come across as very exciting to Zubimendi.
The fact that his position is one of the only areas Liverpool need strengthening is a huge bonus. Whether or not he fancies a move to England is the only question at present.
Whisper+ verdict: 22/25
A huge score from us at Whisper+! The price and position are very good for Liverpool, and a top club going places coming in for him just at the right time could not have been better for Zubimendi.
