Martin Zubimendi will remain at Real Sociedad, effectively ending Liverpool’s hopes of signing the midfielder.
The Athletic reported that Liverpool were exploring a deal for Zubimendi and that Real Sociedad were expecting him to agree a move to the Merseyside club.
Liverpool pursued a move for Zubimendi having initially believed he’d be open to a move. However, the Spain international has opted against a transfer to Anfield.
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Any deal for Zubimendi was also complicated by his €60million (£51.7m; $63.4m) release clause needing to be paid in full.
Zubimendi, 25, who made four appearances for his country during their title-winning campaign at Euro 2024, previously interested other clubs — including Arsenal and Barcelona.
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Why Liverpool’s transfer priority is a No 6 and what the pursuit of Zubimendi reveals
Liverpool had identified a new No 6 as the club’s main priority in the summer transfer window, as reported in last Tuesday’s edition of the DealSheet. Anfield stalwarts Jordan Henderson and Fabinho left the club last summer, while Thiago retired from playing in July.
Zubimendi came through Real Sociedad’s academy and has made 187 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2019.
Real Sociedad have already seen one key first-team player depart this summer after a sixth-place finish in La Liga, with Spain international Robin Le Normand leaving for Atletico Madrid.
Fellow La Real midfielder Mikel Merino remains the subject of interest from Arsenal, who are also in the market for a midfield addition.
(Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
