FSG path clear for £21m Liverpool transfer to solve Martin Zubimendi problem

Martin Zubimendi has rebuffed Liverpool this summer to leave their transfer blueprint in limbo. He will stay at Real Sociedad after Fenway Sports Group saw a proposed £52million swoop break down.

Liverpool were hoping to complete a high-profile deal for the Euro 2024 winner, 25, to strengthen up the midfield options available to Arne Slot this season. However, after the Reds had been told - unequivocally - that Zubimendi wanted to depart San Sebastian this summer, he performed an unwelcome U-turn at the 11th hour.

The ECHO understands Liverpool viewed the collapsed Zubimendi deal as an opportunistic move, while he was regarded in-house as the prime target in signing a new No.6-type midfielder. As it stands, though, the Reds will not pursue other options amid ongoing problems in finding the right man.

Slot used several different players as a holding midfielder during his first pre-season as Liverpool manager. He will, presumably, have to do likewise when Liverpool get their Premier League campaign underway - unless a last-gasp signing-in-the-making emerges such as the one flagged up by journalist Florian Plettenberg from Sky Germany.

Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Manu Koné was heavily linked with a move to Anfield last summer and the 23-year-old is expected to leave the Bundesliga side this summer. Koné made four appearances for France at Paris 2024 as the host nation narrowly missed out on a dream gold medal at the Olympic Games.

Back to his club future and Plettenberg, via social media, has pinpointed Koné as a proposed target for household names across Europe. The ex-Toulouse man is said to want to strengthen his international chances by playing for a top-level side, preferably one with a Champions League spot.

Mönchengladbach want around £21million (€25million) for Koné with scope for add-ons. He remains tied down at Borussia Park until 2026, but is said to have held open and positive discussions with Mönchengladbach on a move.