Liverpool’s pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is reaching a critical point, with the 25-year-old now facing a major decision about his future. The situation has been complicated by Sociedad’s insistence that Zubimendi himself pays his €60 million buyout clause if he wishes to leave for Liverpool.
Reports suggest that Zubimendi is taking his time to carefully consider the move, weighing the potential impact of leaving his boyhood club against the opportunity to join Liverpool, who have made him a priority target this summer. Despite ongoing speculation, financial concerns are reportedly not the primary issue; rather, Zubimendi is simply unsure whether this is the right step for him.
A recent update from Paul Joyce of The Times indicates that Sociedad is determined to make Zubimendi trigger his own buyout clause, which is a standard practice in Spain. Unlike a release clause, which a buying club can directly activate, a buyout clause requires the player to deposit the agreed amount—€60 million in this case—at LaLiga’s Madrid offices to facilitate the transfer.
This approach has increased the pressure on Zubimendi, who might have otherwise been more open to negotiating with Liverpool. Despite being commonly misreported as a “release clause,” this buyout clause structure puts the onus on the player, though Liverpool would ultimately provide the necessary funds. However, the transfer fee would be subject to Spanish tax laws, potentially raising the cost to around £75.7 million, according to football finance expert Mo Chatra.
Speculation suggests that Sociedad’s tough stance could be more about public relations than anything else, as they aim to show their supporters they are not easily parting with key players. It’s likely that Liverpool, mindful of past experiences with Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, have already secured the necessary assurances for the transfer, making Sociedad’s public position appear more symbolic than substantive.
As the week progresses, all eyes are on Zubimendi as he contemplates a difficult choice that could define the next phase of his career.
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