Liverpool missed out on signing Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi. The midfielder informed Richard Hughes that he will stay with Sociedad this summer.
Liverpool had identified Martin Zubimendi as their top choice for the defensive midfield role. They saw him as a significant upgrade over Wataru Endo. Arne Slot was impressed by Zubimendi’s performances for both Sociedad and Spain, which led sporting director Hughes to push hard for a potential deal.
With a €60 million (£51.3m) release clause in his contract, Zubimendi’s talent appeared worth the investment. Liverpool began talks with Sociedad to negotiate the deal’s structure, aiming to secure the highly-regarded midfielder. However, Sociedad was determined to retain their academy graduate, having successfully done so in the past with Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
On Monday night, Fabrizio Romano reported that Martin Zubimendi formally communicated his decision to reject Liverpool’s offer to Hughes.
Sociedad’s efforts to keep the 25-year-old proved crucial. Zubimendi is even willing to negotiate a new contract with the Basque side. This new deal would likely raise Zubimendi’s release clause and extend his stay beyond 2027, when his current contract expires.
Earlier on Monday, reputable Liverpool journalist Paul Joyce reported that Sociedad used a clever tactic to prevent Zubimendi from joining Liverpool. They told the Spain international that he would need to activate his own exit clause to move to Merseyside. They knew that this step would be difficult for him due to his deep affection for his boyhood club.
This bold strategy worked, with Zubimendi choosing to stay at Sociedad despite the chance to join one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Sociedad fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to see Zubimendi continue with the team. The player himself might later wonder “what if” as he reflects on his career.
It remains unclear which midfielder Liverpool will target next. They have previously been linked with players such as Teun Koopmeiners, Adrien Rabiot, and Ederson from Atalanta.
