Liverpool will not be getting their man following Martin Zubimendi’s decision to remain at Real Sociedad for the 2024/25 season.
The midfielder, who is wanted by Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona was believed to be on his way out of the Anoeta this summer following a brilliant outing at the 2024 UEFA European Champions with Spain.
Since coming home with the trophy, there has been increased talks about the midfielder’s future. Talks about a transfer deal worth £51 million which were initiated by Liverpool constantly made news headlines up until Monday evening. Despite the belief that the Reds would finally secure their first signing of the summer, the deal was announced as a bust on Monday evening, a week to the commencement of the 24/25 Premier League season.
It is believed that the LaLiga club had no interest in entering a discussion with the Reds for the midfielder despite telling them to pay the 25-year-old’s £51 million release clause. They want to keep the Euro winner, who has become a pillar of their side in the last three seasons. They are the ones responsible for making Zubimendi reject Liverpool, thanks to internal talks with the player to extend his stay at the club where he has spent the last 13 years of his football career.
Sociedad were desperate to not lose another big name after having lost Robin Le Normand to Atlético de Madrid and being on the verge of saying goodbye to Mikel Merino, who is closer to Arsenal than remaining at the Anoeta.
Liverpool fans have not taken this news well. Many have called out their club for not handling the transfer well while some others have chosen to attack the player’s decision to remain in Spain and “have an average career”.
The biggest criticism was for Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, who is on good terms with the player’s agent, Iñaki Ibanez, having worked together with him to bring Andoni Iraola to AFC Bournemouth when he was the sporting director of the Cherries.
One fan wrote: “Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards have had the worst possible start. Waited till August to make a signing and missed out on their top target after chasing him for weeks.”
Another added: “Richard Hughes, this isn’t Bournemouth. You can’t stop looking for a number 6, just because your first option didn’t say yes.”
It is uncertain that Liverpool will explore other midfield targets after manager Arne Slot’s recent comments about being happy with the current state of his midfield.
