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Paul Joyce clarifies Liverpool’s Zubimendi deadline as Real Sociedad issue cruel ultimatum

Originally posted on Empire of the Kop
By Farrell Keeling | Last updated Aug 12, 2024 9:41 AM ET

Real Sociedad have pulled out the big guns in their bid to keep Martin Zubimendi at the club.

Amidst a personal ploy that has involved reminding the Spaniard of the natural beauty of the region and the food on offer in San Sebastian, the Spanish outfit has now resorted to more forceful tactics.

Paul Joyce at The Times reports that the Reds’ own alleged deadline set this coming Wednesday is perhaps wide of the mark.

“There have been suggestions that Liverpool have given Zubimendi until Wednesday to make a final decision on his future,” the Times’ Northern football correspondent wrote.

“While it is understood that there has been no ultimatum of that nature issued from the Anfield hierarchy, there is an acceptance from the player’s side as well as at Liverpool that the present situation cannot carry on indefinitely.”

Sociedad, meanwhile, have told the 25-year-old that he must trigger his own £51.7m release clause if he wishes to move to Anfield this summer.

A cruel tactic from Real Sociedad

We completely understand Sociedad’s desire to keep hold of their extremely talented No.4.

That said, it seems a little cruel to tell a beloved player who has been with the club since the age of 12 to force his own exit, should he desire it.

Liverpool are, from the sound of things, willing to meet the Spaniard’s release clause and there seems to at least be some interest from the player in a move.

Perhaps it’s a last-ditch effort from Real Sociedad to keep the player at the club, perhaps it may work. It could very well have quite the opposite effect, of course, with Zubimendi potentially feeling a little bullied by his own outfit.

For the time being, it remains unclear how the dice will fall. Though, at least it seems we’ve handled the process with a little more class.

This article first appeared on Empire of the Kop and was syndicated with permission.

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