Martin Zubimendi turned down a transfer to Liverpool earlier this week (Image: Getty)
Liverpool may still harbour hopes that Martin Zubimendi will reconsider his decision to snub a switch to Anfield this summer. The defensive midfielder was the Reds’ top target for his position and figures at the Premier League club believed they had sealed a transfer before learning that the Real Sociedad star will stay in La Liga.
Here are five scenarios that could tempt Zubimendi into joining Liverpool.
A positive start – including a win over Man Utd
There are strong suspicions that Liverpool will not be the force they were under Jurgen Klopp. How competitive the Reds might be at the top of the Premier League might have played into Zubimendi’s thinking when he made his decision to stay in Spain.
But a strong start to the Premier League season could persuade the 25-year-old to make the switch later in the transfer window. A clash with Manchester United on September 1 will provide the first big litmus test for where Liverpool stand under Arne Slot.
That game falls a day after the summer transfer window closes, although there is every chance that a positive start to the season could convince Zubimendi to sign – either this month or in January.
£100m signings made
Liverpool are yet to strengthen Slot’s squad, with the Dutchman instead preferring to cast an eye over the players he inherited from Jurgen Klopp. The Reds have since been linked with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon.
Completing deals for both, which could cost at least a combined £100m, may provide Liverpool the opportunity to insist that Zubimendi would be the final piece in the jigsaw. Keeping key stars, including Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz, will also be important.
A better contract offer
An improved contract offer may be the simplest route to an agreement. It is unclear exactly what Liverpool were offering to Zubimendi but it was evidently not enough.
The 10-time Spain international might be tempted to sign if he is made one of Liverpool’s best-paid players.
Martin Zubimendi could be tempted to reconsider his decision to snub a Liverpool transfer (Image: Getty)
Real Sociedad talks fail
La Real are reported to have promised Zubimendi a bumper new contract if he rejected Liverpool. Now that decision has been made, the La Liga club will now need to back up their promise with a huge offer.
If those talks fail to materialise in a suitable proposal, Zubimendi may reconsider his stance on moving to the Premier League.
Repeat Van Dijk tactic
Liverpool failed to sign Virgil van Dijk in the summer of 2017 – only to finally land Klopp’s top target the following January. The Reds could now repeat that strategy with Zubimendi.
Remaining in contact with Zubimendi for the next few months and showing patience could prove rewarding come the winter window.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1936214/liverpool-man-utd-martin-zubimendi-transfer