What Liverpool sources are ‘insisting’ Martin Zubimendi did before rejecting a move to Anfield

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool look certain to start the season without any new signings after being rejected by Martin Zubimendi.

Jamie Carragher says it isn’t a good look for Liverpool after they failed to land the Real Sociedad midfielder.

And Danny Murphy is ‘gobsmacked’ by Zubimendi’s decision to stay in Spain as opposed to joining Liverpool.

Zubimendi was seemingly close to becoming Arne Slot’s first signing of the summer transfer window, but he will now remain at Real Sociedad.

The midfielder, who helped Spain win Euro 2024 earlier this summer, has decided to stay at his hometown club.

What Liverpool sources ‘insist’ about Martin Zubimendi

Zubimendi’s decision will undoubtedly infuriate not only many Reds fans, but also the recruitment team at Anfield.

According to The Athletic, Liverpool insist they received assurances that Zubimendi wanted to join, having pursued the player because he was available and fitted the profile of Slot’s idea for a number six.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s most expensive/record transfer fees

The publication added that Slot laid out the football blueprint that Zubimendi said he wanted to be a part of, with Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes having led the way on the background work that had initially attracted the midfielder.

Will Liverpool look for a Martin Zubimendi alternative?

It remains to be seen what Slot and the Liverpool chiefs decide to do with the midfield position in the transfer window.

A new number six was clearly wanted, but Zubimendi’s snub may result in the new boss sticking to what he has already got.

READ MORE: All the transfer fees of the current Liverpool squad

The Dutchman has enjoyed great success in his brief time at the Reds so far, overcoming the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United in pre-season.

It will, however, be a completely different scenario when the new season gets underway and the competitive fixtures come thick and fast.

Wataru Endo largely occupied the role last time out under Jurgen Klopp, but Liverpool fans may want a more accomplished player at number six, with Zubimendi having looked like a popular choice.