Zubimendi was on the verge of leaving La Real last summer only to snub Liverpool ’s approaches to remain at his boyhood club. Following an underwhelming domestic performance and the departure of his favoured coach Imanol Alguacil, Zubimendi conceded that he could belatedly be moving on.

Xabi Alonso could now sign Roberto Firmino for Real Madrid - who Liverpool released on a free transfer back in 2023.