What must change for Liverpool to reignite Martin Zubimendi pursuit

Liverpool will not make any future attempt to sign Martin Zubimendi unless he makes it clear to them that he has changed his mind over leaving Real Sociedad, 90min understands.

Zubimendi was courted by the Reds during the second half of the summer transfer window. Though the midfielder had previously turned down approaches from Arsenal and Bayern Munich, Liverpool were optimistic that he could be persuaded to leave his hometown.

But despite this hope, Zubimendi spurned Liverpool's advances in order to stay in the Basque country. The 25-year-old was born and raised in San Sebastian, growing up as a fan of Real Sociedad - he ultimately did not see fit reason to give up his life and leave for pastures new.

Though Liverpool were in the market for a deep-lying midfielder, they were only intent on signing the right player. They saw Zubimendi as that and did not see any other candidate as worth their while.

Sources have told 90min that though the Spain international is still admired at Anfield, the Merseyside club are unlikely to make a fresh approach until summer 2025 at the earliest. Even then, Liverpool will not waste their time with another pursuit if they do not receive clear indication from Zubimendi that he would welcome an offer.

One indication of this could be regarding his contract situation. If Zubimendi does not pen a new deal with Real Sociedad, potentially with a higher release clause, then it could be a suggestion that he is more open-minded to an exit than previously thought.

Liverpool are no stranger to returning for previous targets in future windows, best demonstrated by their 2023 move for Ryan Gravenberch having lost out on him to Bayern Munich a year earlier. After an up-and-down first year at Anfield, he is already establishing himself as a key player under Arne Slot.

Though Liverpool came under intense scrutiny, particularly within their own fanbase, for their lack of summer transfer activity, they are happy with the business they were able to do, signing Federico Chiesa on a cut-price deal and agreeing to bring in Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia next year. There has also been a slight sense of vindication with Slot's side opening the season with three wins and three clean sheets, including a memorable thrashing of rivals Manchester United.

The club's priority remains sorting the futures of their three out-of-contract stars in 2025, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk all into the last 12 months of their deals.

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