Martín Zubimendi regrets staying at Real Sociedad after a terrible start, but Liverpool fans make the same joke
Martin Zubimendi reportedly 'regrets' staying at Real Sociedad, but some Liverpool fans believe they now have a better option in midfield.
Zubimendi emerged as a key transfer target for The Reds This summer, but he rejected a move to Anfield to remain at Real Sociedad.
The LaLiga side have informed the midfielder that he would have to pay his own £51m release clause, while it is claimed that his manager Imanol Alguacil wooed him with a charm offensive to stay in the Basque Country.
However, Zubimendi now appears to have changed his mind after Real Sociedad lost four of their first six league games.
According to the Spanish media Sports StadiumEnglish media have claimed that the 25-year-old “regrets” staying at the club.
While Zubimendi stayed, Real Sociedad made effective the signings of two other key players in the summer, the midfielder Arsenal sign Mikel Merino and defender Robin Le Normand joins Atlético de Madrid.
It is said that Zubimendi now wants Liverpool to try to sign him again when the January transfer window opens.
The defensive midfielder had made 194 appearances for Real Sociedad, scoring nine goals and providing seven assists, and won Euro 2024 with Spain in the summer.
Despite his quality, Liverpool fans on social media have claimed that Ryan Gravenberch would remain a preferred option even if Zubimendi were to sign.
Addressing X, one said: “I don't think we need Zubimendi, Gravenberch has been outstanding this season.”
“Zubimendi doesn't fit into this Liverpool team. He has no chance of overtaking MacAllister or Gravenberch! Szoboszlai plays a completely different role so he wouldn't fit ahead of him either. Zubimendi could be a great squad player,” added a second.
A third wrote: “If Zubimendi really wants to go to Liverpool and the club accepts him, I hope he is second choice after Gravenberch.”
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Another said: “Gravenberch needs a back-up and Zubimendi fits the bill. There's a reason he's Rodri's back-up in Spain. He could be one for Gravenberch too.”
Gravenberch has enjoyed an excellent start to life under the guidance of his fellow Dutchman Arne's Slot at Liverpool this season, having started every game.
His performance in the 3-1 Champions League win over AC Milan on Tuesday night was rewarded with the Man of the Match award.
The Dutch international has lined up alongside Alexis Mac Allister in Liverpool's midfield, a duo who are proving to work well together.
If the Reds decide to rekindle their interest in Zubimendi, he would add to the already abundant amount of talent they have on their roster.
Whether he can secure a place in the starting XI, however, remains to be seen, given how well they have played so far under their new manager.
Liverpool have impressed in all their games so far this season, barring their shock 1-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, where Slot was criticized for his tactics and substitutions..
