Martin Zubimendi transfer takes drastic turn with Liverpool revelation as departure planned

Liverpool have once again been rumoured to still hold interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi following a failed summer transfer attempt. However, the picture is rapidly changing from before with the Spanish club's sporting director said to be leaving in a shock turn of events.

To the chagrin of many at the time, Arne Slot's first summer in charge of Liverpool would end without signings upon signings - instead it was only Federico Chiesa who would appear, shortly after an agreement was struck with Valencia for Giorgi Mamardashvili's arrival next year. It wasn't for the want of trying though as they went after top target Zubimendi.

A highly-publicised chase ultimately ended with the Euro 2024 winner making a U-turn and opting to remain with boyhood club Sociedad. Disappointment was the overwhelming feeling at the time.

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But since that failure Slot's work with the Reds on the field of play has been more indicative of how life will look after Jurgen Klopp. Particularly the emergence of Ryan Gravenberch in the role Zubimendi would have no doubt taken has been a stand-out success in these early months, as has Curtis Jones also stepping into a new midfield structure.

However, this has done little to stem the flow of suggestions Zubimendi's rejection has stopped that deal in its tracks entirely. The Athletic's David Ornstein is the latest to suggest there is a level of 'admiration' from the Anfield hierarchy still at play, and this comes amidst an even bigger revelation.

His latest report explains how Sociedad are expecting to lose long-term sporting director Roberto Olabe at the end of the season. The 57-year-old has been in the post since 2018 and is said to have informed his club's president of his intention to depart in 2025 - one year before his contract was due to end regardless.

As they have reportedly been aware of this since prior to the summer 2024 transfer window, the process to replace him is said to be at an 'advanced' stage. Even if this is the case, it means Liverpool would be dealing with a new person in charge of the La Liga club's business were their so-called sustained 'admiration' to amount to anything more.