Mamardashvili in focus
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Real Sociedad breathes a sigh of relief: European champion Martín Zubimendi (25) has decided against a move to Liverpool FC, according to consistent media reports. The midfielder and the Reds are said to have already reached an agreement in principle, but the final commitment has not yet been made. Liverpool has therefore given the Spaniard a deadline of Wednesday, and now the surprising turnaround.
According to reports, homegrown player Zubimendi wants to stay at Real Sociedad and is expected to extend his contract soon. Although he would become one of the Basques’ best-paid players, Real Sociedad would be nowhere near able to match Liverpool’s offer.
After the departures of Fabinho (30), Jordan Henderson (34) and James Milner (38) last year and the retirement of Thiago Alcántara (33) this summer, the search for a new number six was a high priority. Zubimendi was considered the favoured target for the position, and Liverpool was prepared to pay the release clause of 60 million euros.
According to “The Athletic”, Liverpool will not be looking for an alternative for the time being. The beneficiary could be Ryan Gravenberch (22), who is said to have convinced new coach Arne Slot in the more defensive role in midfield in the pre-season games. After Zubimendi’s rejection, Liverpool remains the only Premier League club without a new signing, while five league competitors have already exceeded the 100 million euro mark in terms of transfer spending.
Liverpool in talks with Valencia goalkeeper Mamardashvili
Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili could possibly change the situation. Liverpool have reportedly been in talks with the 23-year-old for some time and are said to be willing to meet Valencia FC’s demands for a transfer fee of over 30 million euros. However, no final decision has been made yet. In addition, Mamardashvili would not immediately strengthen the Reds, but would initially be loaned out, as Alisson (31) is still planned as number one.
