The race to sign Martin Zubimendi is heating up once again as both Liverpool and Arsenal prepare to make a move for the world-class midfielder in the summer of 2025.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that despite a failed attempt to secure Zubimendi’s services earlier this year, Liverpool is still keeping a close eye on the player. However, the challenge is intensifying as Arsenal, alongside former Reds star Xabi Alonso, are also keen on bringing the 24-year-old to the Premier League.
In the summer transfer window of 2024, Liverpool made a significant effort to secure Zubimendi, even agreeing to meet the €60 million (£51.1 million, $64.7 million) release clause and offering the Real Sociedad star a substantial pay rise. Yet, despite the lure of Premier League football, the midfielder chose to remain loyal to his hometown club, turning down the Reds’ lucrative offer. It was a move that left Liverpool frustrated but also sparked interest from other top European clubs, including Arsenal.
Liverpool’s Long-Term Interest in Zubimendi
Fabrizio Romano, who is widely regarded as one of the most reliable sources in the football transfer market, has provided a crucial update regarding the future of Zubimendi. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that Liverpool remains a major player in the pursuit of the Spanish international. He noted that the Merseyside club continues to monitor Zubimendi’s situation closely, despite the disappointment of missing out on him during the previous transfer window.
Romano also mentioned that there are two key managers who hold Zubimendi in high regard—Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, now at the helm of Bayer Leverkusen. Both managers have expressed admiration for Zubimendi’s qualities, further fueling speculation that he could move to the Premier League or Bundesliga in 2025.
“It’s also true that there are two managers who are big fans of Zubimendi, apart from we know Liverpool and Arne Slot, what they already did last summer and they remain interested and keep monitoring the player. Mikel Arteta also appreciates Zubimendi and also Xabi Alonso,” Romano revealed.
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A Potential Move to the Bundesliga?
Romano also dropped a fascinating update, revealing that Zubimendi could have been heading to Bayern Munich earlier this year. This was part of discussions involving the potential appointment of Xabi Alonso as Bayern’s new head coach, which was being actively considered in February and March. In that scenario, Zubimendi was one of Alonso’s top targets, with the midfielder potentially making the switch to Germany if the managerial move had gone through.
While Alonso’s move to Bayern Munich never materialized, it is clear that both he and Arteta continue to rate Zubimendi highly. With Zubimendi’s contract at Real Sociedad set to run until 2027, his potential departure in 2025 could be a pivotal moment in European football, with Liverpool, Arsenal, and possibly Bayern Munich all circling.
Will the Departure of Roberto Olabe Affect Zubimendi’s Future?
Another significant factor in the potential move of Zubimendi is the expected departure of Real Sociedad’s sporting director, Roberto Olabe, in 2025. Romano suggested that this change at the club could play a role in Zubimendi’s future. Olabe has been an integral figure at the Basque club and has long been a supporter of Zubimendi’s development. His departure could be the catalyst for Zubimendi to seek a move elsewhere, with clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal ready to pounce.
“With Real Sociedad losing a key piece in the director Roberto Olabe, the situation around Zubimendi could change in 2025,” Romano explained. The exit of Olabe could signal a shift in the club’s strategy, and with Zubimendi’s stock rising, he may feel that the time is right for him to take on a new challenge in one of Europe’s top leagues.
Zubimendi’s Personal Reflections on His Decision
Despite the attention surrounding his future, Martin Zubimendi has consistently maintained that he does not regret his decision to reject Liverpool. Speaking to Basque outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Zubimendi reflected on the difficult moments he faced amid the transfer speculation and how he ultimately chose to stay at Real Sociedad.
“My philosophy is to do what I feel at all times,” Zubimendi explained. “So far, things have gone well for me. It is true that there was a lot of noise. I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace.”
Zubimendi’s decision to stay at Sociedad was made in the belief that it was the best choice for his career at that moment, despite the tempting offers from Liverpool and other suitors. Even as Real Sociedad struggled in the early part of the season, Zubimendi remained confident in his choice, refusing to let poor results sway his thinking.
“I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I’m excited about having a good season,” he added, showing his loyalty and determination to succeed with his current club.
Real Sociedad’s Recent Revival
While Real Sociedad’s start to the 2024/25 season was far from ideal, with just two wins, three draws, and four losses from their first nine matches, Zubimendi and his teammates have shown signs of improvement. They managed to secure an impressive 1-0 victory over league leaders Barcelona just before the international break, giving hope to their supporters that a turnaround is possible.
Zubimendi’s form and leadership in midfield will be crucial as Real Sociedad looks to stabilize their campaign. Despite their early struggles, Zubimendi has remained steadfast in his commitment to the club, rejecting the notion that a few disappointing results should influence his long-term decision-making.
What Does the Future Hold for Zubimendi?
As we look ahead to 2025, the situation surrounding Martin Zubimendi is one to watch closely. Both Liverpool and Arsenal are clearly serious contenders for his signature, and with both clubs in strong positions financially, a bidding war could unfold. The presence of Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen also adds another intriguing dimension to the potential move, especially if Alonso continues to rise in prominence in Germany.
What is certain is that Zubimendi’s future will be one of the most talked-about transfer stories of 2025. Whether he chooses the allure of Premier League giants like Liverpool and Arsenal or opts for a fresh challenge in the Bundesliga, Zubimendi is destined for a top move sooner rather than later. As Romano suggests, the midfielder’s stock continues to rise, and the summer of 2025 could be the moment when he finally makes the leap to one of Europe’s top leagues.
For now, fans of Liverpool, Arsenal, and even Bayern Munich will be hoping their clubs can secure Zubimendi’s signature, making the race for the highly-rated midfielder one of the most exciting transfer sagas of the next year.