Liverpool Eye Move for Real Sociedad Teen Jon Martin — Exclusive

Liverpool are weighing up a possible move for Real Sociedad centre-back Jon Martin in 2026, FootballBlog.co.uk has learned.

Defensive reinforcements rank high on Arne Slot’s list of transfer priorities after seeing his side concede three or more goals at the hands of Crystal Palace, Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, PSV Eindhoven and Leeds in recent weeks.

Liverpool identify Jon Martin as possible Virgil van Dijk replacement

It is thought that Jon Martin could be brought in to add squad depth as early as January, but Reds scouts see him more as a possible long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk, who will turn 35 this summer.

Van Dijk extended his Liverpool contract in April, tying himself to the Anfield club until June 2027, but his form has dipped significantly since last season.

The Dutchman is not alone in his slump. Mo Salah delivered 47 goal contributions in 38 Premier League games last season, but he has since lost his place in Slot’s first XI. Salah was left out of the Liverpool squad to face Inter Milan this week. This followed Salah, who could increase his wages by moving to Saudi Arabia, blasting Slot in an explosive interview after the Egyptian watched Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Leeds from the bench.

Arsenal looked at Jon Martin over the summer

Martin was courted by Arsenal before they signed Piero Hincapie on loan at the end of what was a record-breaking transfer window for Premier League clubs.

The Gunners remain keen, as do at least six other clubs across Europe — including Real Madrid in his native Spain. However, Liverpool’s interest is understood to be firmest of all at this stage.

Who is Jon Martin?

Born in San Sebastian, Jon Martin has been on the books of hometown club Real Sociedad since 2018.

The 19-year-old defender, who will turn 20 in April, made his La Liga debut in Sociedad’s penultimate fixture of the 2023/24 campaign, before making 17 appearances across all competitions last season.

This season, Martin has featured in seven league games — playing the full 90 minutes in each. He currently averages 1.9 interceptions per game, which is the highest of any player to have featured in at least five matches. He wins 4.3 aerial duels per match — a record only bettered by two players in Spain’s top division.

Meanwhile, Martin averages 5.3 clearances per game and boasts an impressive pass success rate of 91.4%.

Martin has yet to be capped by Spain’s senior team, but he has represented his country at U16, U17, U18, U19, U20 and U21 levels.

Jon Martin transfer valuation in excess of £15m

Real Sociedad are in a strong position financially after selling Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal in July for a fee in the region of £60 million.

Martin is unlikely to command a transfer fee close to that at this stage of his career, but he only signed his latest contract extension in October.

That deal is not due to expire until 2031, so it could take an offer of at least £15m to convince Sociedad to sell.

Martin is not the only young centre-back on Liverpool’s list of transfer targets. Liverpool fancy Jeremy Jacquet too, with the 20-year-old having shone as a first-team regular for Rennes in Ligue 1 this season prior to his recent red card against Paris Saint-Germain.