Liverpool target 'in two minds' over £51.5m transfer despite 'huge temptation'

Not long ago, the 25-year-old declared that he would not be leaving Imanol Alguacil's side, at a time when Arsenal, Barcelona and Manchester United appeared to be making a play for him.

Links between Zubimendi and the interested parties subsequently went cold, as Arsenal turned their attention to his club and international teammate Mikel Merino instead.

However, Liverpool are now reported to be making a concerted effort to bring Zubimendi to Merseyside, and he is an affordable option thanks to a €60m (£51.5m) release clause in his contract.

Nothing has been agreed between the two clubs or between Liverpool and Zubimendi, though, as The Independent claims that the Spaniard is still caught in two minds over whether he wants to leave his current club.

Zubimendi feels 'huge loyalty' to Sociedad

Zubimendi came through the youth system at Real Sociedad and has now played 188 times for Alguacil's men in all tournaments, netting eight times and coming up with seven assists from his deep midfield role.

The 25-year-old's rise to prominence with Sociedad has seen him become a regular member of Spain squads, and he completed the second half of July's Euro 2024 final win over England following Rodri's injury.

Under contract with his boyhood team until 2027, the report claims that Zubimendi feels immense loyalty to Sociedad and is 'wrestling' with the idea of joining Arne Slot's side this summer.

Nevertheless, the Spain international is still believed to be 'hugely tempted' by a big-money move to the Premier League, who are in constant dialogue with Sociedad over a transfer should he decide to leave.

Amid the whirlwind of stories surrounding Zubimendi's future, the 25-year-old came off the bench in Friday's friendly encounter with Union Berlin, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

When could Zubimendi give Liverpool an answer?

Sociedad's first game of the 2023-24 La Liga season sees Alguacil's men take on Rayo Vallecano on August 18, and Zubimendi is expected to have given the club an answer well before then.

In fact, the report states that some expect the midfielder to make his final decision over the weekend and report it to the Sociedad offices on Monday, but he remains 'wracked' with doubt at this juncture.

Liverpool are yet to bring a new face to Anfield this summer, as sporting director Richard Hughes has his hands full with the contract situations of Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Reds bolstered their midfield last year with the signings of Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, but a new number six is seen as a priority for this summer too.

Endo and Mac Allister rotated in the deepest midfield slot last season, although the latter is more comfortable further up the field.