Martin Zubimendi rejects Liverpool transfer as Real Sociedad ploy pays off | Football | Sport

Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi has reportedly snubbed a move to Anfield and will instead remain at Real Sociedad this summer. The 25-year-old enjoyed a scintillating season last time around and was part of the Spain squad that lifted the Euro 2024 trophy after defeating England in the final.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot is on the hunt for new faces as he prepares for his first campaign in the Liverpool dugout.

The Dutchman is yet to make any signings since succeeding Jurgen Klopp, with the Reds set to begin their Premier League season with a trip to Ipswich on Saturday.

At the end of last week, it was suggested that Zubimendi was keen to join Liverpool and the Spaniard believed the move would be special for his career.

But, according to multiple reports, Zubimendi has decided to ignore Liverpool’s siren songs and will now continue his career at Sociedad.

The midfield genius was included in Sociedad’s matchday squad for their pre-season friendly with Union Berlin last Friday and came off the bench 19 minutes into the second half as his side secured a 1-1 draw in Germany.

Zubimendi, who had previously been linked with a move to Arsenal, has become one of Sociedad’s star players in recent years and helped his team reach the last-16 of the Champions League last season, before they were knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain.

The Spanish club have been desperate to keep Zubimendi in his homeland this summer and reportedly spared ‘no expense’ in their attempts to cling onto him.

And La Real even used an image of the player on their social media graphic last week as they confirmed their travelling squad for their clash with Union Berlin at Stadion An der Alten Forsterei.

Zubimendi appears to have stayed true to his word after explaining during Euro 2024: “This season I will continue at Real. I have a contract. It is the place where I feel most comfortable, so no problem.”

Slot, meanwhile, could be left reeling at the player’s transfer decision after stating at the weekend: “I’m positive [about signings]. I’m confident. I think that we should make some signings based on how long the season will go.

“I think they’re working behind the scenes. I’m fully convinced and trust in the club that they will do the right thing for us and get the best possible squad in order to compete in every competition that we are in. I have to trust and we’ll see what happens.”