Martin Zubimendi is reportedly having second thoughts about his decision to turn down a move to Liverpool – with hopes of a January transfer.
The Real Sociedad player was all set for a £51.3million switch to the Premier League giants during the summer window, with new boss Arne Slot planning to make him a key part of his midfield. However, the Spaniard decided against the move at the last minute as he couldn’t bear to leave his hometown club.
But it’s been a challenging season so far for Sociedad, who have only managed one win, leaving them 16th in the La Liga table. This tough start seems to be swaying Zubimendi towards an exit – with plenty of Liverpool fans saying he’s got what he deserved after leaving them in the lurch, and the superb form of Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch already making Zubimendi an afterthought.
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According to Estadio Deportivo, the homebird has asked Liverpool to reconsider their interest in him, citing concerns over Sociedad’s sporting direction as one reason for his change of heart. The ball is now in Liverpool’s court, and it remains to be seen if they’ll make another bid for him in January.
His contract with Sociedad still has three years left, reports the Mirror. But the 25-year-old is reportedly planning to be a Liverpool player by the January window. This marks a significant change of heart from the Spain international, who just two weeks ago insisted he was content with his decision.
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The midfield maestro, when chatting with Marca, expressed his deep affinity for his current club. He said: “No, no, my friends are clear that whatever I decide [for my future] will be the best. There is no pressure whatsoever. Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I have spent half my life there. A lot of what I am is part of la Real, it is my life,”.
He emphasised the team’s ambition, saying, “[Our goal to qualify for] Europe is clear. The higher the position, the better. We have to look for our best version and, above all, compete. To feel competitive, to be recognised and to be seen with personality.”
Despite Zubimendi turning down Anfield, Slot remained confident about the team’s strength. He said: “I said many times already that I think our squad is really strong and it is not so easy to find players that can help us or can even strengthen the squad. Zubimendi was one of them, to be fair, but he decided not to come and then we go forward with the ones we have.”
Slot reaffirmed confidence in his team, undeterred by the player’s decision, adding: “Those ones have done really well in pre-season. So, we’re in a good place and like I said many times before. Unfortunately Zubimendi decided not to come, if a player doesn’t want to come it’s obvious that he is not coming.”