In August 2024, reports emerged that Liverpool had identified Zubimendi as a primary target to bolster their midfield. The Reds were prepared to activate his €60 million (£51.5 million) release clause to facilitate the transfer.
The recruitment staff saw the Euro 2024 winner as the ideal solution to bolster their midfield, specifically the holding role, with Fabinho’s qualities and skillset yet to be truly replaced by the Anfield club.
It was also thought that Arne Slot was a big fan of the 25-year-old’s game.
However, Zubimendi opted to remain with Real Sociedad, expressing his commitment to his boyhood club.
The midfielder, who enrolled in Sociedad’s development program at the age of eleven, has shown his unwavering commitment to the Basque club this past summer.
While Liverpool were encouraged early in the negotiations and believed they had a shot at convincing him to leave, the player’s desire to continue his journey with Sociedad ultimately halted any real progress.
It was clear that the Spanish club was in no rush to lose a player as vital as Zubimendi, especially after Mikel Merino made the switch to Arsenal.
By now, most Reds fans are no doubt tired of hearing about the Spaniard’s name.
In August 2024, reports emerged that Liverpool had identified Zubimendi as a primary target to bolster their midfield. The Reds were prepared to activate his €60 million (£51.5 million) release clause to facilitate the transfer.
The recruitment staff saw the Euro 2024 winner as the ideal solution to bolster their midfield, specifically the holding role, with Fabinho’s qualities and skillset yet to be truly replaced by the Anfield club.
It was also thought that Arne Slot was a big fan of the 25-year-old’s game.
However, Zubimendi opted to remain with Real Sociedad, expressing his commitment to his boyhood club.
The midfielder, who enrolled in Sociedad’s development program at the age of eleven, has shown his unwavering commitment to the Basque club this past summer.
What did David Ornstein report on Martin Zubimendi?
While Liverpool were encouraged early in the negotiations and believed they had a shot at convincing him to leave, the player’s desire to continue his journey with Sociedad ultimately halted any real progress.
It was clear that the Spanish club was in no rush to lose a player as vital as Zubimendi, especially after Mikel Merino made the switch to Arsenal.
But now David Ornstein has reported that although Liverpool ultimately failed in their quest, the ‘admiration’ still remains.
Reporting on Real Sociedad’s sporting director, Roberto Olabe, leaving at the end of the season, the Athletic journalist confirmed that both Arsenal and Liverpool are still keen on the midfielder:
“Zubimendi has been targeted by the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool; so far he has resisted the chance to depart the Basque side, however the admiration continues,” Ornstein wrote.
Speaking ahead of a Europa League clash with Real Sociedad this season, the Spaniard said of the transfer speculation over the summer:
“My philosophy is to do at all times what comes from within. So far I’ve done well like this. It is true that there was a lot of noise,” he began as quoted by Noticias de Gipuzkoa.
“I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I’m happy and at peace. There is a lot of noise because of the press but deep down everything is easier than all that.”
“Of course I don’t regret it, I can’t think that for four or five games at the start of the season,” Zubimendi explained.
“I made my decision from within, I believed it was the best, the results do not affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I’m excited to have a good season
