In a surprising turn of events, Spanish midfield meastro Martin Zubimendi has explained why he turned down a high-profile move to Premier League giants Liverpool this summer, choosing to remain with Real Sociedad.
The Spaniard was heavily pursued by the Premier League giants, with a £52 million transfer fee agreed upon, making him Liverpool’s top target ahead of the 2024-25 season. However, Zubimendi (25) stunned many by staying in San Sebastián, citing his deep bond with the La Liga club.
After a standout performance in Euro 2024, where Spain emerged victorious over England in the final, Zubimendi caught the eye of several European clubs. Liverpool, confident they had secured his signature, were blindsided when the midfielder opted out of the deal at the last moment.
Speaking to Spanish tabloid Marca, Zubimendi reflected on his decision: "I didn't have any pressure from my close circle. My friends know that whatever I choose will be the best decision for me. Real Sociedad is my life. I've been here for half my life, and a lot of who I am comes from this club."
Zubimendi’s loyalty to Real Sociedad has been clear, as he kicked off the season by scoring a late goal in their 2-1 loss to Rayo Vallecano. Despite a rocky start, with just one win from four games, his commitment to the Basque side remains unwavering.
Meanwhile, despite missing out on their primary target, Liverpool quickly pivoted to secure Federico Chiesa's services. Under the guidance of new manager Arne Slot, the Reds have made an impressive start to the Premier League season, maintaining an unbeaten record and recently securing a commanding 3-0 win over rivals Manchester United.
As Zubimendi joins the Spain squad for the international break, he expressed his support for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, tipping him as a strong contender for the Ballon d'Or. "Rodri is very close to me, and I know what he’s capable of. Dani Carvajal as well—either of them would be deserving winners," he added.
While many expected Zubimendi to embark on a new challenge in the Premier League, It is clear his heart remains firmly rooted at Real Sociedad, where he continues to be an integral part of their squad and culture.
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