Liverpool’s top summer transfer target Martin Zubimendi has rejected an approach to join the Merseyside club and will remain at his boyhood club Real Sociedad.
The European Championship winner with Spain was identified as a priority for Arne Slot’s men in this window and Liverpool believed they could tempt him away from Real. He had previously turned down the likes of Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
But now it seems the move has not come to fruition, with Zubimendi having been convinced to stay thanks to a charming offensive by his current club led by manager Imanol Alguacil.
The coach is known to have held several meetings with the 25-year-old and touched a nerve with him about staying, referring to how disappointed the fans would be if he left. Imanol also spoke a lot about how good life is for Zubimendi in San Sebastian.
The player gave a presentation focusing on the Basque region’s fine dining options and Zubimendi’s fondness for climbing Mount Ulia. He also spoke about how the player had told Spanish television that he would stay at Real after the Euro final.
Liverpool were willing to pay the money needed to sign Zubimendi (he has a €60m release clause) and also offered him a huge financial incentive to go to England. But the player did not want to leave Real Sociedad, the hometown club where he has made a name for himself.
The Reds believe they have suitable options in the holding half, with Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo all capable of playing there. Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold have also been tipped to play there.
Hughes is said to be angry because he thought Zubimendi had given his word to join the Anfield club. Liverpool have not completely ruled out signing a No.6 this summer but now see it as unlikely given the time left in the transfer window and also the club’s desire not to sign players for the sake of signing them.
Liverpool believed Zubimendi had given an unequivocal agreement to join the club. Fans are now asking questions of the Reds hierarchy as Liverpool remain the only club in Europe’s top five leagues yet to make a signing this summer.
