Liverpool ‘enquiry’ for £100m Newcastle star could lead to ‘late-window drama’ after Zubimendi snub
Some ‘late-window drama’ could see Bruno Guimaraes swap Newcastle for Liverpool, who are struggling to persuade Martin Zubimendi to leave Real Sociedad.
The Reds are yet to make a signing in new manager Arne Slot’s first transfer window at the helm, but reports this week have suggested they’re close to agreeing a deal for Zubimendi.
David Ornstein of The Athletic claimed on Wednesday that Real Sociedad ‘expect’ Zubimendi to move to Liverpool, adding that ‘if Zubimendi asks to leave Real Sociedad, the club will grant his wish’.
But Sociedad haven’t given up hope of keeping Zubimendi though, with a report from The Times’ Paul Joyce on Thursday afternoon claiming they are ‘trying to convince the midfielder to reject’ Liverpool.
The report explained:
‘Real Sociedad have launched a charm offensive to keep the Liverpool target Martín Zubimendi at the La Liga club.
‘The 25-year-old Spain midfielder, who has a £51 million release clause, emerged on Wednesday as the top-choice transfer target for the Liverpool head coach, Arne Slot.
‘Zubimendi has previously rejected advances from clubs and Sociedad are hoping the Basque-born player will remain at his boyhood club despite the lure of the Premier League and Champions League football.
‘Sociedad have already seen the defender Robin Le Normand leave this summer in a £30 million deal to join Atletico Madrid and are aware of Arsenal’s interest in Mikel Merino.’
And according to Spanish journalist Mikel Recalde, there is still a good chance he stays put with the La Liga outfit.
He reports that the move for Zubimendi is ‘awash in doubt’ as the midfielder is ‘full of doubts’ over leaving Sociedad for Liverpool.
He has ‘not yet’ given his final decision to Slot’s side, but it’s said his current mindset leaves just a ‘small chance for hope’.
With the clock ticking down on the summer window, the Reds are now ‘impatiently awaiting’ the decision of Zubimendi, according to Recalde.
Given the midfielder said no to Arsenal in January, and has only ever played for Sociedad, it would not be a huge surprise to see him stay put this summer.
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It would mean the Reds would have to go back to the drawing board, and GIVEMESPORT has outlined some alternative options, including Atalanta midfielder Emerson, who is also on Manchester United’s radar as an alternative to Manuel Ugarte.
But the report also claims associated of Newcastle star Guimaraes aren’t ruling out some ‘late-window drama’ after Liverpool ‘made an enquiry’ for the Brazilian.
‘Liverpool have also given some consideration to Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but reports earlier in the window suggesting a deal was ever close have been denied by sources.
‘In November last year, Liverpool also sent a delegation to Brazil to watch Fluminense’s Andre, but decided against making an offer, believing at the time Fulham had an agreement in principle subject to Joao Palhinha leaving for Bayern Munich. Although Fulham are still to land Andre, Liverpool are focusing their efforts in Europe to find their No.6.
‘Liverpool also made an enquiry about Bruno Guimaraes, and those close to the Brazilian are yet to rule out late-window drama, even though the Newcastle midfielder has said he is happy at St James’ Park.
‘Guimaraes’ £100m release clause has now expired and it would take an astronomical offer from any suitor to prompt an exit before the window shuts. Manchester City remain the more likely bidder, but value Guimaraes at closer to £80m.’
