Martin Zubimendi is reportedly open to leaving Real Sociedad during next summer's transfer window, which has placed both Manchester City and Liverpool on red alert for the Spain international.
Liverpool are believed to have activated the €60m (£50m) release clause in his contract last year, but the midfielder decided against making the switch to Anfield in order to remain with Real Sociedad.
The Euro 2024 winner has again been a vital player for his Basque side during the 2024-25 campaign, making 19 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing two assists in the process.
Zubimendi has a contract with La Real until June 2027, but it is believed that he could be on the move during next summer's transfer window, with a switch to the Premier League thought to be a serious possibility.
According to The Athletic, the Spaniard is considering his future at Real Sociedad, with the 25-year-old open to leaving in 2025, should the right opportunity arrive.
© Imago
Zubimendi 'open to Real Sociedad exit next year'
Liverpool are still believed to be keen on the Spaniard despite being turned down last summer, while it is believed that Man City view him as a potential January incoming as a response to Rodri's season-ending knee injury.
Arsenal and Manchester United have also previously been credited with an interest in Zubimendi, who has scored once and provided two assists in 15 La Liga appearances during the 2024-25 campaign.
Zubimendi has made 207 appearances for Real Sociedad in all competitions, scoring nine goals and registering nine assists in the process, including eight outings in the Champions League.
In October, Zubimendi insisted that he did not regret his decision to reject Liverpool despite Real Sociedad having an underwhelming 2024-25 campaign to date, with the Basque side down in ninth spot in the La Liga table.
© Imago
Zubimendi said in October that he 'did not regret' rejecting Liverpool
"Of course I don't regret it," the midfielder told reporters. "I can't think that way after four or five games at the start of the season.
"I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don't affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train. I'm excited about having a good season.
"In the end, like in every transfer window, things always come up. This summer it was my turn. These are things that happen, and you have to deal with them in the best way possible.
"It is true that I was a bit uncomfortable with everything, especially the noise, but in the end I isolated myself and made the decision that I thought was the right one."
As well as being a vital player for Real Sociedad, Zubimendi is now an important member of the Spain squad, featuring in seven of his country's last eight matches in all competitions.
Matt Law
