Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi didn t expect Liverpool to go in for him so strongly as a report reveals the reason why he rejected Arne Slot s side.
was one of the standout performers in La Liga last season and he also impressed for Spain at Euro 2024.
The talented midfielder has been heavily linked with a move elsewhere in recent months and it was felt that a deal was possible as there is a £51m release clause in his contract.
Ahead of this summer, Arsenal were mooted as his most likely next destination, but they are targeting Mikel Merino as a cheaper alternative.
In recent weeks, joined the race to sign Zubimendi as he was picked out as their preferred target, with FSG prioritising signing a new N0.6.
Liverpool were willing to activate his release clause to sign the 25-year-old,
However, at the end of last week, Zubimendi performed a dramatic late U-turn as Liverpool were informed that he plans to stick with Real Sociedad.
READ:
Zubimendi is likely to commit his future to Sociedad by signing a new contract, but a report claims talks between the two parties have been problematic .
Still, Zubimendi is expected to remain at Real Sociedad this season, with journalist Matteo Moretto revealing what he told Liverpool when informing them why he turned them down .
For Martin Zubimendi, it was very difficult. It s his club from birth, it can t be easy to leave that, .
MORE LIVERPOOL COVERAGE ON F365
👉
👉
👉
I think that Zubimendi did not feel that the moment to leave had come in a definitive sense, he still wasn t 100% clear it was time to make the change. Clearly, Real Sociedad have offered him a very big contract for him and for the club too.
I think it s more of a personal matter for him, rather than turning down Liverpool, and while it won t be easy for Liverpool fans or others to understand, it s about his club. That is basically what he has communicated Liverpool.
When a team as big and important as Liverpool come in for you, a thousand thoughts are probably going through your mind.
