Liverpool can offer Martin Zubimendi perfect welcome present as Reds ramp up interest

Liverpool might just be able to make the perfect offer to Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after emerging as the favourites to sign the Spanish star. Zubimendi played a pivotal role in his country winning Euro 2024, replacing Rodri at half time as his side prevailed 2-1 in the final.

And despite previously being linked with Arsenal, Arne Slot has now reportedly identified him for the 'No.6' role in a bid to address the issues the Reds suffered in midfield last season.

Under Jurgen Klopp, the club seemingly failed to sign an adequate replacement for Jordan Henderson, and were widely perceived to be lacking a player capable of protecting the back four.

Zubimendi, 25, currently has three years left on his deal on Sociedad, having made 239 appearances for the first team. But Slot can seemingly offer him the No.6 berth in more than name alone.

The shirt number is currently vacant at Anfield following the departure of Thiago Alcantara this summer. In fact, the jersey appeared just once in the Premier League last season after the 33-year-old endured an injury plagued final year.

For the last two years, Zubimendi has worn the No.4 shirt for his La Liga club. But he won't be offered that if he joins Liverpool, given it's in the possession of captain Virgil van Dijk.

Slot is still searching for him first signing since taking over from Klopp, with Zubimendi long considered a reliable performer at the top level. And only the presence of Rodri has prevented him from winning more than his current total of 10 international caps.

He reportedly had a £50million release clause inserted when he signed his latest deal. But the lavish praise he's received from a number of high-profile stars suggests he's worth that valuation.

Upon leaving Barcelona last summer, club legend Sergio Busquets named the player, and Rodri, as the two figures the Catalan giants should target as his replacement. His advice however, seemingly went ignored.

"I think that if we want to continue with the philosophy that we have lived during Barca's best period and that our coach has also lived and believes in blindly, Zubimendi and Rodri are spectacular," he said. "They are perhaps the most similar (to me)."

Slot can ill-afford to wait if he wants the transfer sorted in time for the new campaign. Liverpool face Sevilla on Sunday in their final pre-season friendly, before their opening Premier League match at Ipswich on Saturday, August 17.