“It’s a DONE DEAL” – Martin Zubimendi’s Shock £91 Million Move to Liverpool Set to Transform Midfield Under Arne Slot!

Reds DOUBLE Their Bid as Arne Slot Targets Spanish Maestro in Midfield Overhaul

April 15, 2025 – In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the Premier League and La Liga, Liverpool have reportedly reached a full agreement in principle for the signing of Spanish midfield sensation Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for a staggering £91 million, doubling their initial offer to secure the deal.

Sources close to the Merseyside club have confirmed that the deal is “99% done,” with only formalities and final personal terms left to be completed.

The 26-year-old Basque midfielder is now expected to be unveiled as Arne Slot’s first major signing of the summer—marking a clear and emphatic statement of intent from the newly appointed Liverpool boss.

This could become one of the defining transfers of the summer. And for Liverpool fans, it might be the long-awaited piece of the midfield puzzle they’ve desperately craved.

Who Is Martin Zubimendi?

Martin Zubimendi Ibáñez is not your ordinary midfielder. Born in San Sebastián, Spain, and a product of Real Sociedad’s acclaimed academy, Zubimendi is widely regarded as one of the finest deep-lying playmakers and defensive midfielders in Europe.

Having captained Sociedad at various levels and established himself as a linchpin in La Liga, Zubimendi blends flawless positional awareness, razor-sharp passing, calm composure under pressure, and high defensive IQ.

He’s often compared to Sergio Busquets for his elegance and command in midfield, yet his athleticism and tackling proficiency make him more dynamic and versatile.

With over 200 senior appearances for the Spanish side and increasing prominence in the Spain national team, he has long attracted suitors from across Europe, including Barcelona, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich. But it is Liverpool who have made the decisive move.

The Deal: Why Liverpool DOUBLED Their Bid

Initial reports indicated that Liverpool’s opening offer for Zubimendi was around £45 million—a reasonable starting point considering his £51.5 million release clause.

However, Real Sociedad were in no rush to sell and were adamant that Zubimendi would only leave under his own terms.

The turning point came when Arne Slot made it explicitly clear to Liverpool’s board that Zubimendi was “non-negotiable” in his plans.

Slot sees the Spaniard as a pivotal figure in transforming Liverpool’s midfield structure, especially with the Reds aiming to phase out the last remnants of the Klopp era and evolve into a new system.

Liverpool’s owners, FSG, have now approved a £91 million package—nearly double the initial valuation—including base fee, performance bonuses, image rights, and loyalty incentives.

This marks one of the most expensive transfers in Liverpool history, only rivaled by Virgil van Dijk and Darwin Nunez.

Why Zubimendi?

 Tactical Intelligence

Arne Slot is keen on implementing a high-possession, structured build-up style, similar to what he successfully orchestrated at Feyenoord.

Zubimendi fits this vision perfectly. He offers composure on the ball, vision in tight spaces, and the ability to dictate tempo from deep areas.

Unlike Liverpool’s previous pivot players—Fabinho or Henderson—Zubimendi is a metronome who thrives under pressure, rarely loses the ball, and plays progressive passes that split lines.

Defensive Solidity

Liverpool have, in recent seasons, struggled with defensive transitions, especially when pressing high. Zubimendi’s exceptional positioning and tackling instincts make him an ideal shield in front of the backline.

He averages 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game, one of the highest among La Liga midfielders. He also reads the game well, often cutting out passing lanes and launching counters from deep.

 Versatility

Though primarily a No. 6, Zubimendi can operate as a No. 8 or even in a double pivot, offering Slot flexibility as he experiments with new midfield systems. His football IQ allows him to adapt quickly to tactical shifts—an attribute Slot values highly.

Talks in Progress: Inside the Negotiations

Liverpool’s pursuit of Zubimendi has been months in the making. While Arsenal and Barcelona maintained interest, Liverpool’s decision to move quickly—backed by Slot’s vision—gave them the edge.

Talks accelerated after Liverpool’s scouts, including chief scout Barry Hunter, attended several Real Sociedad fixtures this year, delivering glowing reports.

Zubimendi was said to be impressed by Slot’s pitch and was excited about the opportunity to compete in the Premier League and Champions League next season.

While the release clause could have been triggered earlier, Liverpool wanted to structure the deal differently, allowing more flexibility in their Financial Fair Play planning. Real Sociedad eventually agreed to a tailored financial package worth £91 million in total, including:

• £68 million upfront
• £12 million in add-ons
• £11 million in loyalty, agent fees, and image rights

The player’s salary is expected to be £180,000 per week, putting him in line with Liverpool’s upper-mid wage bracket.

What This Means for Liverpool’s Midfield

With Zubimendi’s arrival, Liverpool’s midfield is set for a massive tactical reconfiguration. The Reds already made wholesale changes last summer by signing Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch, but lacked a true deep-lying orchestrator.

Under Slot, the midfield could now look like:

• Zubimendi (No. 6)
• Mac Allister / Gravenberch (L8)
• Szoboszlai (R8)

This allows Mac Allister to play higher up the pitch, closer to goal, while Zubimendi acts as the anchor. Slot is also expected to experiment with a 3-box-3 formation, where Zubimendi drops between the center-backs to create overloads during buildup.

For players like Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, Zubimendi’s arrival means added competition—but also greater tactical clarity and balance in the engine room.

Arne Slot’s First Signature Signing

This is more than a big-money transfer—it’s Arne Slot’s first statement as Liverpool manager.

The Dutch tactician has spoken openly about modernizing Liverpool’s style to focus more on control, structure, and technical dominance, rather than the all-out chaos that defined Klopp’s tenure. Zubimendi embodies this change.

“We want to build from the back, dominate the ball, and suffocate opponents. For that, we need players who are intelligent, calm, and consistent. Zubimendi ticks every box.”
– Arne Slot (via training camp interview)

Slot’s endorsement was key. According to sources, Liverpool’s transfer committee initially leaned toward younger, cheaper alternatives, but Slot’s insistence swayed the board. “If we want to compete with City, we need players who can think like Guardiola’s midfielders,” he reportedly told the club.

Reaction from Spain

The move has stunned many in Spain, especially fans of Real Sociedad, who had hoped Zubimendi would remain a one-club man.

Former teammate Mikel Oyarzabal said:

“He’s irreplaceable. Not just as a footballer, but as a person. Liverpool are getting someone special. They’re lucky.”

Spanish media, including Marca and AS, have praised Zubimendi’s rise and noted that La Liga has lost one of its brightest midfield talents.

The Spanish national team, preparing for Euro 2025, will also be watching closely. Zubimendi’s move to the Premier League could help him cement a starting spot in Luis de la Fuente’s squad.

Fan Reaction: “Midfield Maestro Incoming!”

Liverpool fans have responded with uncontainable excitement. “Zubimendi” trended on X within an hour of the news breaking. Social media is flooded with clips of his elite positioning, incisive passing, and calm control under pressure.

Popular fan accounts tweeted:

“We’ve finally got our Busquets! Welcome to Anfield, Martin Zubimendi. What a signing!”

“Arne Slot cooking already. This is our midfield general for the next 5 years.”

The anticipation is real. For many, this is the final step in Liverpool’s midfield rebuild—one that began with the departures of Henderson, Fabinho, and Milner and is now culminating in a younger, more technically gifted core.

What This Means for the Premier League

Zubimendi’s arrival significantly shifts the balance of power in English football’s most competitive midfield battles. Liverpool, who were often outplayed by the likes of Rodri, Rice, and Bruno Fernandes, now have a conductor of their own.

This could also set off a domino effect in the market. Arsenal may now accelerate their pursuit of a new No. 6, with links to Douglas Luiz and João Neves heating up. Chelsea, too, could reignite interest in midfield reinforcements as the arms race intensifies.

What Happens Next?

Zubimendi’s official announcement is expected within the next week, pending medical checks and paperwork.

A formal presentation at Anfield is being planned, with thousands of fans expected to attend. He could make his debut in Liverpool’s first preseason game in the U.S. against Inter Miami.

Liverpool’s midfield for 2025/26 is already taking shape—and with Zubimendi anchoring it, the Reds may once again be ready to challenge for everything.

Final Thoughts: The Slot Era Begins

This transfer isn’t just about plugging a gap—it’s about defining a new era.

Martin Zubimendi represents Arne Slot’s vision for the future: modern, intelligent, technical football, rooted in control and collective movement.

If Slot succeeds, this deal may be seen not just as the club’s biggest transfer—but its smartest.

For now, all eyes are on Anfield. One thing is clear:

It’s a done deal. And Liverpool just got a whole lot scarier.