Liverpool fans are salivating at the prospect of signing a midfield star once coveted by Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Liverpool eager to sign £52m midfielderSpain star expected to agree to transferReds fans delighted by likely dealWHAT HAPPENED?
The Reds are expected to wrap up the signing of the midfielder after it was reported they are prepared to trigger the €60 million (£52m/$66m) release clause in his contract, and the Spain international is said to be eager to make the move.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The signing of the Real Sociedad star would be a major coup for the Anfield club given he was previously wanted by other top sides. It was claimed in May that he decided against a move to Arsenal, while United had identified him as an alternative to Manuel Ugarte. Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid were also said to be after him.
WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING
A move to Merseyside appears to be the likely outcome at this point, though, and the prospect of beating other top teams to his signature has lifted the mood of a few Reds supporters.
After outlining the top European sides that Zubimendi has rejected in order to choose Liverpool, X user Raws declared: "Now that’s what you call pull."
Another fan said on social media: "Zubimendi said he’s not leaving Spain to Arsenal, Man Utd and Bayern, until Liverpool came along and he’s already got his bags packed. When you’re big, you’re big." They followed that up with another mocking post, saying: "Mikel Arteta, who is Spanish, went to Real Sociedad, a Spanish club who he played for, asked for Zubimendi and was told to f*ck off. If I speak, I’m in big trouble."
"Zubimendi to Liverpool basically done in a day….well done. That's how you operate as "Best in class"," said Manchester United fan channel presenter Mark Goldbridge.
Sibi stated: "Took us one day to wrap up Zubimendi. Liverpool FC we don't mess around".
"Zubimendi has accepted the move to Liverpool.. tears in my eyes," said another member of the Liverpool faithful.
Matt Thielen said: "VERY excited for this one. Zubimendi seems the perfect No.6 for Slot's system—quite the first senior signing for [sporting director Richard] Hughes and co."
After pointing out that he will be signing for around half the price Arsenal paid to get Decan Rice, Nick Davies wrote: "WE ARE SO BACK".
Getty/GOALWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
The Reds are yet to finalise the deal, with reporting that the two clubs have not yet reached an agreement on a transfer fee, but Real Sociedad expect him to make the switch to the Premier League side.
