Martin Zubimendi has ‘opted against’ a move to Liverpool this summer and will stay at Real Sociedad.
Zubimendi was identified by Arne Slot as the ideal addition for Liverpool, who are yet to make a signing so far this summer.
The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent months and he reached an ‘agreement’ with one of Liverpool’s rivals earlier this year, but this proposed move fell through.
Zubimendi – who has a release clause in his contract worth around £51m – has been picked out as an upgrade on Wataru Endo, who could leave to join Ligue Un club Marseille as part of a ‘triple transfer move’.
Over the weekend, it was reported that Liverpool wanted Zubimendi to decide by Sunday night, and he’s now come to a decision.
The fans look set to be waiting a while yet for the first signing of the summer after The Athletic’s David Ornstein confirmed the midfielder has turned down the Reds’ advances.
Both Liverpool and Real Sociedad expected the deal to go through with Slot’s side ready to trigger his £51m release clause, but Ornstein claims the Spain international ‘has opted against a transfer to Anfield’.
Reds sporting director Richard Hughes was told of Zubimendi’s rejection on Monday and now it’s back to the drawing board.
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The Times claimed earlier on Monday that Sociedad were looking to prey on the midfielder’s doubts over the move by forcing Zubimendi to ‘trigger his own release clause’.
‘The tactic only served to increase the pressure on Zubimendi’ with Sociedad ‘playing hardball’ with the midfielder, the report added.
Zubimendi continued to ‘mull over matters with Sociedad’s stance, while in accordance with the player’s contract, complicating matters, according to sources in his homeland’. The report continued…
‘Clearly, there are ways in which the depositing of the clause with La Liga can be managed, but the prospect of Zubimendi having to force his way out of the club places him under greater stress.
‘There have been suggestions that Liverpool have given Zubimendi until Wednesday to make a final decision on his future. While it is understood that there has been no ultimatum of that nature issued from the Anfield hierarchy, there is an acceptance from the player’s side as well as at Liverpool that the present situation cannot carry on indefinitely.
‘Sociedad’s powerplay comes with the club having sold the defender Robin Le Normand to Atletico Madrid this week, while the midfielder Mikel Merino is a target for Arsenal.
‘The prospect of losing the trio has prompted Sociedad to get tough and Zubimendi finds himself at the centre of a drama had been hoping to avoid.’
