Richard Hughes “tried everything” to sign Martin Zubimendi – Arne Slot

Arne Slot has defended Liverpool’s transfer approach, stating that sporting director Richard Hughes “tried everything” to secure the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Slot emphasized that there is no room for negativity despite the lack of new arrivals at Anfield.

Liverpool had identified Spain international Martin Zubimendi as their top target for the summer transfer window and were prepared to trigger his £51 million buyout clause.

However, the 25-year-old ultimately decided to remain at Real Sociedad, a club he has been part of since his early teenage years.

Reports suggest that Sociedad’s efforts to retain Martin Zubimendi played a crucial role in his decision to stay, despite Liverpool’s strong interest.

Hughes made a concerted effort to bring Martin Zubimendi to Merseyside, but was unable to persuade the midfielder to leave his homeland.

This development has fueled debate surrounding Liverpool’s transfer activity – or lack thereof – with the window nearing its close and the club yet to make a signing.

Nevertheless, Slot insists that the coaching staff at Anfield remain focused on the season ahead, with transfers not being their primary concern at this stage.

Liverpool are the only Premier League club not to have completed a signing so far, but Slot maintains that there is no need for alarm.

“What happened is that we and Richard in particular tried everything he could to try and bring him in,” Slot said.

“I think I said it over there (in the pre-match press conference), the only thing we can’t do is make the decision for him.

“And he made the decision not to come, that could have to do with what you said (his boyhood club) but he is the person who could tell us exactly why he made the decision.

“We did everything we could to try and bring him in, it didn’t work out and that is not such a big of a problem because we still have six midfielders.

“For me, there is no negativity at all in the squad if people talk about the transfers.

“In Holland, people talk about the transfers as well but we don’t have one broadcaster who is talking about football the whole day.

“But, no, it doesn’t come to me that much.

“If I walk around I see a screen and I see a manager or names.

“But does it surprise me?

“No, no, no. You know before you go to England, people say there is a lot of media attention especially in these weeks when the transfer window is open.

“But I am working with my team and my focus is on them and I am not thinking every second of the day about transfers.”

Slot added: “Can we build on last year?

“That’s a question that is a difficult one to see before we even play the first game.

“You have to see the qualities of them (title rivals), how they improve and if they improve in the same way as us.

“Each season brings in new challenges for everyone.

“It is too early to see if we are up there, above them or beneath them.

“That question can be answered after five or six games.

“But it is clear what our aim is – to close the gap and not make it any bigger than it was in the last two years.

“Those years, in terms of points, we were quite far behind.

“What we are hoping to see is that we carry on with what we saw in the games in pre-season and that we improve on that.

“We understand there will be a lot of energy around the place (at Portman Road) with a newly-promoted team.

“We have to match that energy definitely to bring our qualities forward.

“But I have seen (my players) working really hard and that is the minimum I always ask from my team.

“Hopefully we will play the best football possible.

“If not, we still work hard, we have enough qualities to win the game in a special moment from someone.

“Ideally, we will see the progress from pre-season continuing in the Premier League – but if not we have to win it differently.

“It is difficult to say (what Saturday will mean) because it still has to happen.

“It is special to work in a club like this as it was special to work in a club like Feyenoord which has a lot of history as well.

“I am fortunate that I can work at two clubs that have such history and I am now looking forward to this game.

“I don’t think about this all the time, I think how can we play against Ipswich and how can I prepare the team in the best possible way to have the best possible chance to win the game.”

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