Martin Zubimendi has given an interview to Real Sociedad’s media team in the biggest hint yet that he is set to leave the club during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Zubimendi was installed as Liverpool‘s principal target last year, but he surprisingly snubbed a move to Anfield in favor of remaining with the La Liga club.
Zubimendi had been earmarked for the holding midfield role in Arne Slot’s team, which ended up going to Ryan Gravenberch when the Spaniard decided he wasn’t yet ready to leave Sociedad.
The departures of Robin Le Normand and Mikel Merino from Sociedad last year left Zubimendi in a tricky situation, as he felt a responsibility to stay put and ensure his boyhood club did not lose all of its best players in the space of a single transfer window.
However, 12 months on he is expected to complete a move to the Premier League with Arsenal; Liverpool remains an admirer of Zubimendi but the Reds have more pressing areas to address in the transfer window.
While his impending departure from Sociedad has not been officially confirmed, Zubimendi gave an interview in which he seemed to be in a reflective mood, as he spoke about his achievements with the club and also addressed his love for the city of San Sebastian.
“We get used to so many good things happening to me, but sometimes you have to slow down, look back, and realize everything you’re experiencing and everything you’ve achieved,” Zubimendi said.
“Luckily, I’ve had the chance to experience many good things with Real Sociedad, many dreams come true: [playing in the] Europa League and the Champions League, and winning a title (the 2020 Copa del Rey) — I couldn’t ask for more.”
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On the area itself, Zubimendi said: “I like this place (the port) because, it’s true that I don’t come here often, but when I do, it gives me a lot of calm and peace, also because I’ve spent several summers here with my friends, jumping into the water.
“My favorite places? Sagues, Urgull, and Zarautz. I’m more of a beach person than a pool person, and now I go there with my dog.”
Gravenberch’s adaptation to the holding midfield role in Slot’s side means the Reds are no longer searching for a holding midfielder to go straight into the first team.
The club is instead considering signing a back-up option who could provide competition to Gravenberch, with Angelo Stiller of VfB Stuttgart mentioned as a possible addition.
