Liverpool ready to pounce on club's top summer target with £51.7m release clause

Liverpool finally look ready to make a move this summer.

Liverpool is the only club in the Premier League yet to make a summer signing. Now into August and returning from their USA tour, supporters have been rightfully frustrated not to see at least one new name through the doors at Anfield. However, the club was never expected to be very busy in the transfer market, as most reports suggest that Liverpool would cap themselves at three signings this summer.

With just under two weeks until the beginning of the Premier League season, Liverpool seems to finally be kicking things into gear as they search for a new starting defensive midfielder.

Liverpool ready to pounce on club's top summer target with £51.7m release clause

As reported by various sources, including David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liverpool is ready to make a move for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi. It was made clear earlier this week that Liverpool were soon ready to engage in real talks to sign a defensive midfielder, and now they are doing so.

According to The Athletic, Zubimendi has a £51.7m release clause that would have to be paid in one full installment. Whether Liverpool would be able to negotiate a deal below that figure remains to be seen, but it seems somewhat unlikely, as the Spanish midfielder has seen his value skyrocket this past year.

Sitting at the base of Real Sociedad's midfield, Zubimendi would be asked to do the same in Arne Slot's side. Zubimendi by no means has elite-level line-breaking passing or world-class carries, but he is able to effectively contribute to the build-up in the back while having the defensive capabilities to shut down the opposition's attack.

Zubimendi was part of Spain's Euro 2024 winning side, including subbing on at half-time for an injured Rodri and contributing significantly to shutting down England's midfield en route to their trophy win. The 25-year-old Spaniard is still under contract until 2027 with Real Sociedad after signing a contract extension back in the fall of 2022.