Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has clarified that Martín Zubimendi did not reject a move to Liverpool in order to secure an improved contract with the Spanish club.
The 25-year-old attracted interest from Liverpool during the summer transfer window, with a €60 million (£50.6m) release clause in his contract.
Spanish media had reported that the club had offered him a significant new deal to persuade him to stay.
However, Aperribay has disputed these claims.
At the unveiling of Nayef Aguerd and Orri Oskarsson as new signings, Aperribay stated that there had been no contract negotiations between the player and the club.
He emphasized that Zubimendi ‘understood’ the situation and was not seeking a new contract.
“There has been no conversation with Zubimendi to renew the contract,” he said.
“There hasn’t been one now and there hasn’t been one before.
“He didn’t put any conditions on us.
“He understood the moment and knew that it was a market in which some players were already going to leave, and he understood that it was time to stay at Real Sociedad.
“He has not made it a condition for us to renew nor have we talked about it.
“The conversation with Martín was short and quick.”
Earlier this month, Zubimendi explained why he chose to remain with the Spanish club instead of moving to Liverpool.
“Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I have spent half my life there,” he said.
“A lot of what I am is part of la Real, it is my life.
“[Our goal to qualify for] Europe is clear.
“The higher the position, the better.
“We have to look for our best version and, above all, compete.
“To feel competitive, to be recognised and to be seen with personality.”
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