Liverpool’s ongoing quest for a reliable defensive midfielder hit a significant snag when Martin Zubimendi reversed his decision to join the Reds, leading to an unnecessary transfer saga.
The Real Sociedad star has now spoken out about his choice to remain with his boyhood club.
For years, Liverpool has been in search of a player to anchor their midfield, with the club’s recruitment team believing they were close to securing Zubimendi this summer.
However, convincing the Spanish midfielder to leave Real Sociedad proved to be an uphill battle, as the La Liga side launched a successful charm offensive to retain the Euro-winning 25-year-old.
Zubimendi’s decision leaves Liverpool still searching for a player to fill the critical No. 6 role.
His recent comments to Marca underscore just how challenging it was always going to be for the Reds to secure his signature.
When asked what Real Sociedad means to him, Zubimendi said: “Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I have spent half my life there.
“A lot of what I am is part of La Real, it is my life.”
On what his friends thought of the summer’s events, he said: “No, no, my friends are clear that whatever I decide will be the best.
“There is no pressure whatsoever.”
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot claimed the Reds ‘tried everything’ to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad this summer.
He said: “I said many times already our squad is really strong so it is not easy to find players to strengthen.
“Zubimendi was one but he chose not to come here so we go forward with the one we have.
“We’re in a good place and Richard [transfer chief Richard Hughes] is trying to improve the squad in the background.
“Zubimendi didn’t want to come and Richard tried everything.
“We kept the same team but lost Thiago, Joel [Matip] and Adrian and you always talk about transfers but we have a positive team already.”
The Spanish international joined the club’s academy in 2011 at the age of 12 and has steadily progressed through the ranks.
He previously turned down offers from Bayern Munich and Arsenal to remain with his current club.
While Liverpool have enjoyed three consecutive victories to start the season, Martin Zubimendi has won just one of his four matches, leaving Sociedad in 12th place in La Liga with only four points.
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