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The Zubimendi Dilemma: Liverpool’s Anxious Wait

Evidently, the uncertain saga surrounding Real Sociedad star, Martín Zubimendi, has affected some of the Liverpool fanbase and created hysteria in one or two paranoid corners. Ultimately, until the player states that his wish is to stay in Spain, I remain unwavering in my confidence that the 25-year-old will arrive at Anfield early next week. The delay is uncomfortable, though the endgame is not too far.

What Has Created the Delay…?

There has been a clear charm offensive undertaken by the Spanish club, as they attempt to convince their man that his surroundings should remain unaltered. I can absolutely see the logic and PR gains in publicly taking a stance, one that can in some way appease a concerned support. If ever the day comes that Real Madrid comes calling for Trent Alexander-Arnold, I would be shocked if the manager and relevant footballing executives did not attempt to sway his mind away from the Santiago Bernabéu; therefore, a little consideration to the life-changing event is needed.

The 10-cap Spain international, Zubimendi, has been with Sociedad since he was 11 years old. This type of allegiance may be hard to break for some; however, I see it as an attractive trait and a show of character that the 2024 European Champion is unwilling to simply down tools when a European heavyweight comes calling. It has been widely reported that the 5ft 11inch midfielder has already rejected overtures from both Barcelona and Arsenal in the recent past. Despite that previous stance to ignore incoming offers, it does appear that the Merseyside club has broken his resistance and is now confident of securing the signature of the elite-level holding midfielder.

There are, of course, the financial conditions that surround the Spaniard’s €60m release clause, which can be negotiable if not met. The intricacies involved in that statutory fee mean that La Liga officials, the player, the agent, and finally the club, need to align and structure the conditions and timeline of a prospective deal. This irrefutable fact also coincides with his return from holiday (only this week), following his winning summer campaign at the European Championships. An assessment would have been undertaken upon his return to training, where any injuries would have been reported.

The need to keep the target committed to an Anfield move may well require a farewell to his beloved Anoeta Stadium following. As I write this, we are just two hours away from Real Sociedad vs. Union Berlin friendly, which I fully expect to be a moment when the playmaker bids a tearful farewell to his boyhood club. This could be something that has been requested by the honourable servant, before signing for one of the world’s most historic clubs, Liverpool FC.

Is The Pathway to Anfield a Worry?

There will be many Liverpool supporters who will question the player’s commitment to a move, especially given the conditions of his existing contract and the fact he is entertaining one last game in Spain. I am encouraged by the integrity shown and an unwillingness to show disrespect to his current employers. This is the type of character the regeneration should be built upon, not those that will feign injury to secure a big move away.

A double pivot of Alexis Mac Allister and Martín Zubimendi could be sensational, and if Richard Hughes is able to get this deal over the line, I foresee a strong month of August being overseen by the Sporting Director. The first signing of the Arne Slot era may now be pushed to the early part of next week (to the annoyance of many), essentially given the incoming weekend and an inability to bring all relevant parties together. In any instance, there is now an assured clarity in the recruitment team demanding a controlling midfielder, which means even if this first hurdle is not successfully overcome, there will surely be contingencies in place.

I do expect the number six shirt to be worn by the Spaniard next season, which could lead to the former acolyte of the famed Xabi Alonso, delivering some Mediterranean magic once again.

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