Martin Zubimendi reportedly ‘regrets’ staying at Real Sociedad, but some Liverpool fans think they already have a better midfield option.
Zubimendi emerged as a key transfer target for the Reds this summer, but he rejected a switch to Anfield to remain at Sociedad.
The LaLiga outfit informed the midfielder that he would have to pay his own £51million buyout clause, while it is claimed their manager Imanol Alguacil wooed him with a charm offensive to stay put in the Basque Country.
However, it now appears as though Zubimendi has had a change of heart amid Sociedad losing four of their first six league matches.
As reported by Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, English media have claimed that the 25-year-old ‘regrets’ staying at the club.
While Zubimendi stayed, Sociedad did cash in on two of their other key players in the summer, with midfielder Mikel Merino signed by Arsenal and defender Robin Le Normand joining Atletico Madrid.
It is claimed Zubimendi now wants Liverpool to try and sign him again when the January transfer window opens.
The defensive midfielder had made 194 appearances for Sociedad, with nine goals and 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 still be a preferred choice even if Zubimendi signed.
Taking to X, one said: “Don’t think we need Zubimendi, Gravenberch has been outstanding this season.”
“Zubimendi does not get into this Liverpool team. No chance he gets in front of MacAllister or Gravenberch! Szoboszlai plays a completely different role, so he doesn’t get in 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 accept it, I hope he’s the second choice after Gravenberch.”
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Another said: “Gravenberch needs a back up and Zubimendi is a good fit. There’s a reason he’s a backup to Rodri in Spain. He could be that for Gravenberch too.”
Gravenberch has enjoyed an excellent start to life under fellow Dutchman Arne Slot at Liverpool this season, having started every game.
His performance in their 3-1 Champions League win over AC Milan on Tuesday night was rewarded with the Player of the Match award.
The Netherlands international has lined up alongside Alexis Mac Allister in the Liverpool midfield, a duo that are proving to work well together.
Should the Reds decide to reignite their interest in Zubimendi, he would add to the already stacked amount of talent in their squad.
However, it remains to be seen if he would be able to claim a spot in the starting XI, given how well they have played so far under their new boss.
Liverpool have impressed in every game so far this season aside from their surprise 1-0 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, where Slot came under fire for his tactics and substitutions.
