WHAT HAPPENED? Zubimendi emerged as a key figure in Spain's European Championship-winning squad which led the Anfield bosses to pursue h...
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WHAT HAPPENED?
Zubimendi emerged as a key figure in Spain's European Championship-winning squad which led the Anfield bosses to pursue him. However, despite reportedly giving his word to the Merseyside club, the 24-year-old midfielder has chosen to remain at his boyhood club - which marks another in a series of high-profile rejections for Liverpool, who had hoped to lure him away from La Real.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Liverpool's pursuit of Zubimendi was part of a broader strategy to strengthen their midfield following the departures of key players like Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara. However, the club has faced significant challenges in the transfer market, with several top targets rebuffing an Anfield switch. Zubimendi’s rejection follows similar decisions by other sought-after midfielders, including Aurelien Tchouameni, Moisés Caicedo, and Roméo Lavia, who all opted for moves elsewhere, with Caicedo and Lavia both joining Premier League rivals Chelsea in 2023. Moreover, England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who ended up signing for Real Madrid, and Chelsea’s record signing Enzo Fernandez, were also on Liverpool’s radar.
Spanish news outlet AS unleashed scathing criticism and mocked the Merseyside club's recent transfer struggles by publishing an article under the headline "nobody wants to go to Liverpool." The article highlighted the Reds' difficulties in securing new signings this transfer window, noting that they remain the only Premier League side yet to bring in a major player. The piece went on to detail a long list of players who have turned down the chance to join the Anfield outfit, emphasising the club’s ongoing challenges to sign their first-choice transfer targets.
DID YOU KNOW?
Zubimendi’s decision to stay at Real Sociedad was reportedly influenced by a concerted effort from his current manager, Imanol Alguacil, to keep him in San Sebastián. Alguacil’s unconventional approach to convincing Zubimendi to remain with the Basque club included highlighting the delicious local cuisine and the player’s love for hiking, particularly on Mount Ulia, a popular spot near the city. This personal touch seems to have resonated with Zubimendi, who has a deep connection to his hometown and the club where he made his professional debut.
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WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?
Liverpool had been reportedly prepared to activate Zubimendi’s release clause, valued at £52 million (€60m/$67m), and offered the player a significant hike in wages to entice him to Anfield. However, despite these efforts, the Basque midfielder chose to remain loyal to Real Sociedad, leaving Liverpool to explore other options.
While the Reds have missed out on several key targets, they believe they still have sufficient depth in the holding midfield position with players like Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endo being identified as capable of doing the job.
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