David Ornstein shares what Real Sociedad sources have told him about Martin Zubimendi and Liverpool

Liverpool’s summer transfer window is coming to life.

The Reds haven’t signed a single player this summer, and there are severe concerns about that ahead of the start of the new Premier League season.

It has been evident for over a year now that Liverpool need to sign a top-class defensive midfielder to take their side to the next level, and they have been linked with many names.

Martin Zubimendi is one of them, and it looks like Liverpool are really serious in their pursuit of the Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder.

David Ornstein says Real Sociedad expect Martin Zubimendi to join Liverpool

Liverpool had been credited with an interest in Zubimendi for a long time, but things were really quiet on that front.

However, the Reds seem to have accelerated their plans to sign him now.

On Wednesday, numerous reports claimed that Liverpool are trying to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the coming days.

It was claimed that Sociedad are resigned to losing Zubimendi in this window, even though all the suggestions in recent months were that he doesn’t want to leave.

Now, Ornstein has shared some further good news for Liverpool fans.

In an initial tweet, the journalist revealed that Sociedad don’t want to sell Zubimendi but they will let him go if he asks for a transfer.

He said: “Real Sociedad are aware of Liverpool’s interest in Martin Zubimendi. No bid yet + La Liga club don’t want to sell but if 25yo asks to go, they will grant his wish, say Sociedad sources. Midfielder yet to communicate his decision.”

Then, in another post on X, Ornstein claimed that Sociedad now expect Zubimendi to join Liverpool in the coming days, even though the clubs haven’t agreed a fee yet.

He tweeted: “Real Sociedad expect Martin Zubimendi to accept a move to Liverpool, according to Sociedad sources. Clubs would still need to agree a fee, unless Liverpool decide to trigger his €60 million (£51.67m) release clause – which needs to be paid in full.”

Zubimendi solves a huge problem at Liverpool

Liverpool haven’t had a top-quality defensive midfielder since Fabinho left the club.

The Reds have a world-class attack and a very good defence. Their midfield has been their weakness for a couple of years now, and that has cost them.

Alexis Mac Allister has often had to play as a defensive midfielder, while there have been suggestions that Dominik Szoboszlai could be deployed as a number six too.

However, neither player is naturally a deep-lying midfielder, and forcing them to play there doesn’t solve the issue by any means.

That’s why Liverpool are looking at Zubimendi, and if Arne Slot can sign him, we think Liverpool’s midfield problem will be solved – not just for the upcoming season but for many years.