Martin Zubimendi went back on his word and turned down the chance to sign for Liverpool, a decision that has reportedly ‘angered’ the club’s hierarchy.
The defensive midfielder has long been on the radar of some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich heavily linked.
Last week, it was reported that Liverpool had entered the race for the Euro 2024 winner, with Arne Slot hoping to make him his first signing for the club.
The Reds had begun talks over personal terms and had informed the 25-year-old that they were ready to activate his €60million (£51.3m) release clause – they just needed the go ahead from the player to do so.
And it seemed that he had done so as the Mail report that Zubimendi had given Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes his word that he wanted to move to Anfield.
But in a shock twist, the Spaniard has now turned down Slot and co. in favour of remaining at Real Sociedad.
It is said that he was convinced to U-turn after Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil went on the charm offensive to persuade him to stay, which included making a presentation on the ‘good food options in the Basque region and Zubimendi’s hobby of hiking up Mount Ulia’.
Zubimendi has always spoken of his love and loyalty toward his boyhood club which also made it hard for him to leave, while Alguacil also reminded him that the fans would be upset after he previously said he wished to stay at the club.
Additional reports from Fabrizio Romano claim that the player is now open to signing a new deal with Sociedad even though their opening contract offer is far below what Liverpool had offered him.
None of this has pleased Liverpool unsurprisingly, with Hughes ‘angry’ at the situation, especially with the new Premier League season just days away.
The No.6 position had been a problem area for new manager Slot during pre-season, a problem Zubimendi would have no doubt solved.
Slot will make his Liverpool debut on Saturday when his side travel to newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
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