Liverpool dealt blow as transfer target's current club trying to convince him to reject Reds offer - Reports

Liverpool have reportedly faced a blow in their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after Sociedad reportedly is looking to convince the player to not join the Reds this summer.

As per journalist Paul Joyce, the La Liga club have launched a plan to charm Zubimendi into rejecting Liverpool's offer and stay at Sociedad. On the same matter, reporter Lewis Steele from Mail Sport reported that the Sociedad coach has given the Spaniard a presentation with reasons for staying, especially focusing on the location in the Basque region and the mountains there.

Martin Zubimendi has a release clause of €60 million, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano. Talks are still ongoing between Zubimendi and the Reds, who remain confident to sign the player.

The Reds are the only club in the top five leagues who are yet to make a signing in the ongoing summer transfer window. If things go as planned, Zubimendi could become the first signing of the Arne Slot era.

The Spaniard is particularly good with his ball control, as he can pick the ball, move forward with it as well as retrive it from opponents. A technically adept midfielder like Zubimendi could be beneficial in Arne Slot's system, which is likely to shift its focus to midfield.

An out and out pivot, Zubimendi can make a difference, like a peak Sergio Busquets at Barcelona.

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Mario Suarez weighs in on Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi's skills

Former Atletico Madrid player Mario Suarez shared his thoughts about Martin Zubimendi's fit for Liverpool and whether he would adjust to the demands of the Premier League.

On the Youtube channel of ESPN, Suarez said that Zubimendi is comparable with Xabi Alonso and that he would be "great signing" for the Reds.

“In Spain, he’s compared to Xabi Alonso a lot with all the difference and all the respect. I think if he’s 70-80% of what Xabi Alonso gave to Liverpool – he’ll be a great signing." he said.

Despite being all praises for the Sociedad star, Suarez said that it would be challenging for Zubimendi to keep up with the physical demands of the Premier League.

“I don’t know if physically (he has) what the Premier League needs, but he’s a very clever player. He’s not the strongest or fastest. He’s not the type of player we’re used to watching in the Premier League." he added.

It remains to be seen if Zubimendi ends up at Anfield this season, with Sociedad trying their best to keep the player. However, the Reds are expected to continue to pursue their priority No 6 target this summer.