by Martin Zubimendi has decided against a move to Liverpool this summer and will stay at Real Sociedad.
Zubimendi was seen by Arne Slot as an ideal reinforcement for Liverpool, who have not yet signed anyone this summer.
The midfielder has been frequently linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months and He had reached an “agreement” with one of Liverpool’s rivals earlier this year, but the planned move fell through.
Zubimendi – who has a release clause in his contract worth around £51 million – was chosen as a backup to Wataru Endo. who could move to Ligue 1 club Marseille as part of a “triple transfer”.
On the weekend It was reported that Liverpool wanted Zubimendi to decide by Sunday eveningand he has now come to a decision.
Fans will probably have to wait a while for the first new signing of the summer after The athletics David Ornstein confirmed that the midfielder has rejected the Reds’ offers.
Both Liverpool and Real Sociedad had expected the deal to go through, with Slot’s team willing to trigger his £51 million release clause, but Ornstein claims the Spain international has “opted against a transfer to Anfield”.
Reds sporting director Richard Hughes was informed of Zubimendi’s rejection on Monday and now it’s back to the drawing board.
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The times claims Sociedad had previously stated on Monday that they wanted to take advantage of the midfielder’s doubts about a transfer by forcing Zubimendi to “invoke his own release clause”.
“The tactic was simply designed to increase the pressure on Zubimendi,” with Sociedad “playing hard” on the midfielder, the report added.
According to sources in his home country, Zubimendi continues to consider Sociedad’s stance while sticking to the player’s contract, which complicates matters. The report continues…
“Of course there are ways to get the clause deposited with La Liga, but the prospect of Zubimendi having to leave the club by force puts him under even more pressure.
“There have been suggestions Liverpool have given Zubimendi until Wednesday to make a final decision on his future. Although there has been no ultimatum of this nature from the Anfield hierarchy, it is accepted on both the player’s and Liverpool’s side that the current situation cannot continue indefinitely.
“Sociedad’s power play comes as the club sold defender Robin Le Normand to Atletico Madrid this week, while midfielder Mikel Merino is a target for Arsenal.
“The prospect of losing the trio has prompted Sociedad to take tough action and Zubimendi finds himself at the centre of a drama he wanted to avoid.”
