- Liverpool transfer manager Richard Hughes is said to be angry about the situation
- The Reds were prepared to meet Martin Zubimendi’s £52m release clause
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Liverpool’s biggest transfer target this summer, Martin Zubimendi, has rejected a move to the Merseyside club and will remain at Real Sociedad, where he spent his boyhood years.
The Spanish European Championship winner was seen as a top priority for Arne Slot’s men this transfer window and Liverpool believed they could lure him away from La Real, having previously rejected Arsenal and Bayern Munich.
But it now appears that the transfer will not go ahead, as Zubimendi has been convinced to stay by a charm offensive from his current club, led by manager Imanol Alguacil.
The boss reportedly held several meetings with the 25-year-old and tugged at his heartstrings to stay, citing how the fanbase would be disappointed with his departure. Imanol also spoke a lot about how good Zubimendi’s life is in San Sebastián.
He gave a presentation that focused on the Basque region’s fine dining and Zubimendi’s hobby of hiking up Mount Ulia. He also revealed that the player had told Spanish TV he would stay with La Real after the Euro final.
Martin Zubimendi has rejected a proposed deal to join Liverpool despite ‘giving the Reds his word’
Liverpool were willing to honour his £52million release clause and also offered him a big financial incentive to move to England.
The Spain international had previously ignored other clubs including Arsenal and Bayern Munich
Liverpool were prepared to pay the required fee to sign Zubimendi — he has a £52 million (€60 million) buyout clause — and also offered him a large financial incentive to move to England. But the player had no desire to leave Sociedad, his local club where he made his name.
The Reds believe they have plenty of options in defensive midfield with Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo all capable of playing there. Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold are also earmarked to play there.
Zubimendi was convinced to stay by a charm offensive from Real Sociedad, led by manager Imanol Alguacil (pictured)
The Real Sociedad manager is believed to have held several meetings with the 25-year-old and has urged him to stay.
Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes is said to be angry at the decision, as he was convinced Zubimendi had given his word to join Liverpool.
Hughes is said to be angry because he believed Zubimendi had given his word to join the Anfield club. Liverpool have not completely ruled out signing a No.6 this summer, but it is now considered unlikely given the time remaining in the transfer window and the club’s desire not to sign players for the sake of contracts.
Liverpool believed Zubimendi had given an unequivocal agreement to join the club. Fans are now asking questions about the Reds’ hierarchy, as Liverpool remain the only club in Europe’s top five yet to sign a player this summer.
