Martin Zubimendi has revealed why he decided to reject a summer move to Liverpool in favour of staying put at LaLiga side Real Sociedad.
The 25-year-old was Liverpool’s top summer target and looked set to make a £52m switch to become Arne Slot’s first Anfield recruit before U-turning on his decision at the last minute.
Zubimendi was the subject of interest from several top European sides after an impressive Euro 2024 campaign with Spain that saw them beat England in the final to win the title.
Liverpool fought they had seen off competition for the forward’s signature after successfully negotiating a fee with Sociedad and were stunned when Zubimendi decided to stay at the club instead.
His rejection was a blow for the Reds who later signed Federico Chiesa in a cut-price deal instead and Zubimendi has now revealed how he made the decision to turn down a move to the Premier League without any external pressure.
Martin Zubimendi has revealed why he decided to reject a summer move to Liverpool
Zubimendi was set to make a £52m transfer to Liverpool before deciding to stay put at Real Sociedad
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was keen to reinforce his squad with Zubimendi during the summer transfer window
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‘I didn’t have any pressure from my close circle,’ he told Marca.
‘My friends are clear that whatever I decide, it will be the best. There is no pressure at all.
‘Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I’ve been in there for half my life. A lot of what I am is part of Real, it’s my life,’ he added.
Zubimendi also tipped his Spain team-mate and Man City midfielder Rodri to win the Ballon d’Or
Zubimendi opened the season with a late consolation goal in Sociedad’s first match of the season – a 2-1 defeat by Rayo Vallecano with the club with just one win from four games.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have enjoyed a sensational start in the Premier League under Slot who has maintained an unbeaten start to managing in England’s top-flight that was topped off with a dominant 3-0 win over rivals Man United last weekend.
Zubimendi is now part of the Spain squad for the ongoing international break and has tipped Man City midfielder Rodri to win the Ballon d’Or at the upcoming ceremony later this year.
‘Totally. Rodri is very close to me and I know what he is. Or [Dani] Carvajal. Either of them would be happy if they win it,’ he added.
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