Former Liverpool midfield target and Spanish footballer Martin Zubimendi has reportedly regretted not joining Liverpool this summer.
The 25-year-old emerged as a top transfer target for Liverpool in the just-concluded transfer window.
Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, wanted to add the experienced midfielder to his options ahead of the campaign.
According to reports, Zubimendi was open to joining the Premier League club. He gave his words but made a shock u-turn after a late intervention by Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil
Alguacil reportedly played a great role in forcing the San Sebastian-born Spain international to reverse his decision to join Liverpool.
Zubimendi’s Liverpool snub hit the Reds hard due to their transfer plans. Apart from winning the heart of new manager Arne Slot, who was reportedly a long-time admirer of the midfielder, Liverpool wanted Zubimendi as a long-term successor to their famous midfielder and club legend, Fabinho, who left for Saudi Arabia last summer.
Notably, Zubimendi would have been the Red’s top signing this summer, but they were undone by Real Sociedad’s late intervention.
Martin Zubimendi considered a key player for Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad considered Martin Zubimendi key to the squad and couldn’t afford to lose him to a European rival. Groomed from the club’s academy since 2016, Zubimendi has been an integral part of Real Sociedad’s squad.
He played a big role in the club’s top-six finish in La Liga in the last six seasons. Apart from Imanol Alguacil’s intervention, Real Sociedad reportedly promised to offer Zubimendi a new contract with improved terms. The new contract card played by the Basque club is said to have played a big role in convincing Zubimendi to stay.
Martin Zubimendi wants Real Sociedad exit, regrets snubbing
According to Spanish outlet, Estadio Deportivo, Martin Zubimendi now wants to leave Real Sociedad and is regretting snubbing Liverpool in the 2024-25 transfer window.
The report adds that the midfielder has indulged Liverpool to just indicate interest again in signing and he will push his way through to join the club.
The reasons for Zubimendi’s shock u-turn are not farfetched. Unlike previous campaigns, Real Sociedad is off to their worst start to their La Liga campaign. In six matches, they have managed one win, a draw, and four defeats and are 16th on the table with four points.
Also, they are just a point above the relegation zone and have played a game more than the other teams stuck in the drop zone below them.
This means they are likely to drop into the relegation zone should any one of the four teams – Real Valladolid, Getafe, Las Palmas, and Valencia – win their outstanding match.
Martin Zubimendi contract crisis at Real Sociedad
Apart from Real Sociedad’s bleak start to the campaign, another factor that is reportedly influencing Zubimendi’s decision to vy for an exit from the club is the dragging contract saga between him and the club.
Real Sociedad have reportedly yet to offer him a new contract with improved terms as they promised in the wake of Liverpool’s interest.
What is next for Martin Zubimendi?
Liverpool have settled for Ryan Gravenberch as a makeshift no.6 to replace Fabinho. However, sources close to the club indicate they would not shy away from a chance to sign a perfect replacement for Fabinho but it is unknown whether they will make a move again for Martin Zubimendi.
All fingers are now crossed on the Reds’next possible move in the January transfer window. It is likely Zubimendi could be forced to wrap up his 10-year spell with the boyhood club should they fail to keep to their promise or continue battling relegation in the Spanish top flight.
