Zubimendi is available for $63.4m (£51.7m/€60m) due to a release fee clause. Liverpool do not want to pay that figure due to the fact it needs to be paid upfront and are attempting to negotiate a deal which would see them pay less this summer, but more in the long run for the Spain international.
The Reds wrapped up their pre-season campaign on Sunday evening with a 0-0 draw against Las Palmas, having just beaten Sevilla earlier in the day at Anfield. The behind closed doors clash against Las Palmas was a more muted affair than the Sevilla game, which saw Liverpool dispatch the latter 4-1 thanks to a Luis Diaz brace and goals from Diogo Jota and Trey Nyoni.
Next weekend, Liverpool will take on Ipswich Town in their Premier League opener at Portman Road. While the European competition has changed this term from the Europa League last season to the Champions League this time around, the Reds are still competing on four fronts - which can be gruelling and daunting challenge for even the best of squads.
And with that in mind, Liverpool skipper van Dijk, who recently admitted he has not been offered a new deal yet at Anfield despite his contract expiring next summer, revealed he hopes to see some new faces joining the Reds ranks before the transfer window slams shut.
What do you make of Virgil van Dijk's comments? Let us know in the comments section below.
Liverpool's Trey Nyoni celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal with team mate Virgil van Dijk during the pre-season friendly match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Sunday August 11, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Richard Sellers/PA Wire.
RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Virgil van Dijk congratulates Trey Nyoni after his goal for Liverpool against Sevilla
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Van Dijk said: "Obviously I think we should make some signings based on how long the season will go but I think they are working behind the scenes and I am fully convinced and trust the club that they will do the right thing for us and get the best possible squad in order to compete in every competition that we are in.
Virgil van Dijk's first words on return to Liverpool speak volumes amid contract situation
"That is the main thing I am focusing on, having the trust and we will see what happens. I think they are working very hard behind the scenes, we will see how that pans out."
Liverpool.com says: While it is not the end of the world that Liverpool are yet to have signed anyone, there is still just under three weeks for them to do so. This past week saw the Reds outline their intentions to make Martin Zubimendi their first signing of the summer.
However, should they be unable to convince the 25-year-old to make the switch to Anfield, or fail to manage to negotiate an initial fee which is cheaper than his release clause (which would see Liverpool pay more in the long-term), then the Reds must pivot immediately so as to not be negotiating from a position of weakness with time running out in the transfer window.
0 Comments