“Probably as Luka Modric’s replacement” – Journalist claims Liverpool target is set to join Real Madrid

Reputed journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed that Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi could be on his way to Real Madrid. The transfer expert feels the Spaniard could move to the Santiago Bernabeu as Luka Modric’s successor.

Zubimendi was heavily linked with Liverpool throughout the summer and a move seemed imminent. However, the Euro 2024 winner reportedly had a change of heart at the last moment and remained at his boyhood club.

It has been claimed that the 25-year-old remains on the Reds’ wishlist and they could return in his pursuit in January. However, Graeme Bailey has now insisted that the defensive midfielder could be heading to Real Madrid next summer.

As per Bailey, Los Blancos see Zubimendi as the long-term successor of Luka Modric who is 39. Bailey told Rousing The Kop:

“Arsenal and Liverpool think he’s going to Real Madrid. Their sources believe he’s heading to Real Madrid next summer, probably with Xabi Alonso and probably as Luka Modric’s replacement.”

The journalist added:

“People I’ve spoken to at Liverpool believe the underlying reason he rejected them is because he wants to go to Real Madrid next year rather than because of his total love and committment to Real Sociedad.”

Zubimendi is regarded highly and has drawn comparisons to Spanish greats like Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso because of his style of play. He came through Real Sociedad’s youth ranks and has made 197 appearances for the club, winning one Copa del Rey.

Modric, meanwhile, has cemented his legacy as one of the best midfielders of the modern era. He joined Real Madrid from Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 and has made 546 appearances, helping the Spanish giants win four La Liga titles and six Champions League among other honors.

The Croatian also won the most prestigious individual award in world football – the Ballon d’Or – in 2018.

Real Madrid defender opens up on Liverpool attacker Mohamed Salah’s exceptional numbers

Real Madrid defender Antonio Rudiger said he’s not surprised with Mohamed Salah’s exceptional numbers for Liverpool. The Egypt international has been the Reds’ biggest goalscoring outlet since his reported £34.3 million move from AS Roma in 2017.

Rudiger, who spent two years alongside Salah at AS Roma, revealed Salah’s consistency in goalscoring and creating is not surprising to him. The former Chelsea defender was quoted as saying by DaveOCKOP on Instagram:

“I’m really not surprised because we played two years together [at Roma]. In his second season you could see that this guy is on a different mission. He was more direct. In the first season, he was trying to do dribbling and stuff like this, beating men one-on-one. But in the second season, he was very direct. He just wanted goals and assists.”

“And obviously I didn’t know that he was thinking about Liverpool already, but one day he told me he was leaving to Liverpool. I remember that first season he had [scoring 44 goals]. I think he shocked the whole world. And so that’s why for me I wasn’t too surprised. And really, the crazy thing is that he got better and better every year,” Rudiger added.

Salah has produced 217 goals and 94 assists in 359 games across competitions for Liverpool, helping the club win a PremierLeague title and a ChampionsLeague among other honors.

He has six goals and five assists in 10 appearances across competitions this season.