Real Sociedad’s president, Jokin Aperribay, has opened up about Martin Zubimendi’s future, acknowledging that the midfielder’s decision will come in June after he turned down a move to Liverpool last summer. Despite the Reds being ready to meet his release clause, Zubimendi chose to stay with the La Liga side following last-ditch discussions.
Now, as the saga continues, Arsenal has entered the fray, confident it can tempt the Spanish international to the Premier League. Zubimendi’s contract still includes a $68 million (£51 million) buyout clause, and no new terms have been agreed since he declined Liverpool’s offer.
Aperribay hasn’t ruled out the possibility of extending Zubimendi’s stay at Sociedad, should the player wish it. Reflecting on the 26-year-old’s previous rejection of Liverpool, Aperribay suggested that a summer exit is not a foregone conclusion.
Speaking to Radio Marca Donostia, Aperribay said: “We’ll see what happens. All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe and whatever happens, will happen in June.
“There’s no point in speculating now about whether he’ll be there. He’s had several opportunities to leave and he’ll make the decision he wants, because he’ll have more options.”
“I don’t remember our last conversation. When I talk to him, it’s more about goals, pushing. There’s one month left, and we’re playing against opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them all.
(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
“There are no easy or difficult matches. Martin is part of that. I don’t know if it’s difficult for him to stay. We haven’t tried to raise the clause. Don’t think contracts are negotiated like that. It’s more a matter of willpower.
“If he wants to continue the conversation, it will last five minutes. I don’t know if it’s difficult.”
Real Sociedad finds itself in the middle of an intense race, sitting 10th on the La Liga table. It is on 42 points and there are just five games remaining.
Sociedad is only two points adrift from eighth-placed Osasuna, who are holding onto the coveted Europa Conference League play-off round qualification spot. Celta Vigo is currently placed seventh, clinging to La Liga’s second Europa League spot and standing two points ahead of Sociedad.
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Zubimendi has been putting up solid numbers for his childhood club, racking up 43 appearances this season, chipping in with two goals and a pair of assists. Real Madrid has also been credited with an interest in him.
Liverpool.com says: As well as Ryan Gravenberch has done this season, the Reds midfielder has played a huge volume of minutes. It would be useful to have two options in that position who can share the role.
Zubimendi doesn’t appear to be a target for this summer but Arne Slot hasn’t trusted Wataru Endo so far. Liverpool would be taking a risk by playing Gravenberch as much again next season.
