Liverpool's chase for Martin Zubimendi continues to drag on as Real Sociedad have told the player he must pay his own buyout clause.
Sociedad have no interest in entering into negotiations with the Reds to thrash out a deal for the player. Zubimendi, 25, must now personally pay the £51m release clause in his contract to trigger any move to Liverpool and do so at the La Liga offices.
This is common practice with players in Spain. But Sociedad could open talks with the Merseysiders to smooth over a deal. However, they do not want to lose the player.
They’ve instead put the onus on the midfielder. If he was to pay his release clause, they can’t block any move. Sociedad launched a charm offensive to try to keep Zubimendi last week and this is another move to try to keep him at the club he has been at since he was 12.
They are desperate not to lose another big name in this window having sold defender Robin Le Normand to Atletico Madrid this summer, while midfielder Mikel Merino is heading to Arsenal. Zubimendi is understood to be unsure over what to do. He’s aware of the opportunity at Liverpool but has long-standing ties to his boyhood club.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes agree the player is the best fit for the No.6 role in the Dutchman’s style of play. Zubimendi replaced Manchester City star Rodri at half-time of this summer’s Euros final when Spain beat England in Germany.
The player would now need to force his way out of his club which makes it more problematic. There is no ultimatum or deadline set by either club in the frame but the reality is with the Premier League due to start this weekend, the Reds will want to know if they can land their top midfield target.
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