Xabi Alonso has revealed the advice he gave to Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi when he was coming through the ranks at Real Sociedad - and dropped a fresh hint on his future. Zubimendi, 25, was eyed for a move to Anfield in the summer after impressing for Sociedad last season and helping Spain win Euro 2024.

Zubimendi was at the top of Liverpool's midfield transfer agenda as Arne Slot looked to strengthen his squad. However, the Spaniard opted to stay at his boyhood club and the Reds decided against signing a midfielder altogether, sticking with the options they have.

That has proven to be the right choice as Slot's men have risen to the top of the Premier League. A contributing factor behind their impressive campaign so far has been Ryan Gravenberch's performances in the deep-lying midfield slot, while Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have also impressed.

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Links between Zubimendi and Liverpool have not gone away in the proceeding months and former Reds midfielder Alonso has outlined what he said to the Sociedad man when he was younger. Alonso coached Zubimendi for three years before he went on to become the Bayer Leverkusen manager in October 2022.

As part of the documentary The Spirit of Real Sociedad for Movistar Plus+ Alonso, via Noticias de Gipuzkoa, revealed that he had to make Zubimendi 'accept' how good of a player he is on the pitch. "How good he was on the pitch, he didn't quite believe it off it," said Alonso. "Look, Martin, you have to accept it."

Additionally, Alonso admitted he has a 'weakness' for Zubimendi and suggested that he could have turned down a move to Liverpool because of his love for Sociedad. He added: "When you talk about a nice player project, Martin's case is perfect. Players of this level, who have been fighting for the project for so many years and see the potential it has; that is because many things are being done well."

Zubimendi may be Premier League bound after all, six months after turning down Liverpool. Reports emerged on Tuesday afternoon that Arsenal are set to agree a deal to sign the midfielder in a switch which will formally take place at the end of the season.