How Richard Hughes could help Liverpool as they bid to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad

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Liverpool are working diligently behind the scenes to complete a deal for Martin Zubimendi as they face a battle to convince the midfielder to leave his boyhood club.

The 25-year-old has a £51m release clause in his contract but has thus far been reluctant to leave Real Sociedad despite attracting interest from a host of European giants.

However, sources close to Real Sociedad believe Zubimendi will accept a move to Liverpool, with the Reds now trying to figure out if they want to trigger his release clause or work out another payment structure with the La Liga club.

Getting a deal done for Zubimendi represents Sporting Director Richard Hughes’ first big test in his new role and if reports are to be believed, his connections in footballing circles could help Liverpool complete the transfer.

Richard Hughes ‘well-known’ to Martin Zubimendi’s agent

According to a report from The Times, Hughes has a good working relationship with Inaki Ibanez, who represents Zubimendi and other notable names like Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola, both of whom have been of particular interest to the Liverpool Sporting Director this year.

Hughes was responsible for bringing Iraola to Bournemouth when he served as their Technical Director as the Spaniard replaced Gary O’Neil at the helm ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League season.

As for Alonso, he was approached by Hughes and the Liverpool hierarchy to replace Jurgen Klopp, although the Reds later turned to Arne Slot as Alonso opted to remain at Bayer Leverkusen.

Hughes was handpicked by Michael Edwards as Liverpool’s Sporting Director, with the Englishman returning to Anfield as FSG’s CEO of Football after previously serving as their Sporting Director between 2016 and 2022 under Jurgen Klopp.

Hughes has more work to do as Liverpool step up Zubimendi pursuit

Zubimendi is leaning towards accepting Liverpool’s proposal and is expected to make his decision imminently as they wait patiently in the wings.

The Reds have adopted a measured approach in the transfer market and are yet to sign a player this summer, although that could be set to change in the coming days based on Zubimendi’s decision.

Hughes and the Liverpool hierarchy are set to move on to other targets after Zubimendi, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that Liverpool are not done yet in the transfer market.

In terms of incomings, Anthony Gordon remains of interest to Liverpool. However, a move for the England international is yet to be rekindled after a deal broke down earlier this summer despite the two clubs agreeing a transfer fee worth £75m.

As for outgoings, several players could be moved on before deadline day. Arne Slot could reportedly offload four Liverpool players, with Fabio Carvalho, Ben Doak, Bobby Clark and Sepp van den Berg attracting interest across Europe.

Joe Gomez has been linked with a move to West Ham United, so Hughes could be a busy man between now and the end of the transfer window.