Liverpool failed in their chase of Martin Zubimendi this summer, and Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has now revealed what he ‘understood’ about a transfer.
It became a frustrating saga for the Merseyside club as Liverpool sought to make Zubimendi the first big-name signing of the Arne Slot era. He soon emerged as one of the Reds’ leading targets after the 25-year-old helped Spain win Euro 2024, at England’s expense, in Germany.
Zubimendi only had a sporadic place in La Roja’s side but he is one of Europe’s top defensive midfielders. The 12-cap anchor is also an instrumental Real Sociedad star, with the Liverpool target starting the 2024/25 term with three starts in four La Liga games for one goal so far.
Martin Zubimendi has not asked for a new contract after rejecting a Liverpool transfer
Liverpool do not rule out targeting Zubimendi’s transfer in January as the Reds feel he ticks so many of their boxes. But the Merseyside giants would want to see some willingness from the Spaniard to seal a switch. Liverpool felt he caved to pressure from Real Sociedad to stay.
Richard Hughes led the Anfield side’s attempts to secure the midfielder’s move this summer with their sporting director doing much of the background work. Liverpool insist Zubimendi wanted to join them, as well, before seeing the transfer fall through as he stayed in La Liga.
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It would have cost Liverpool £52m to sign Zubimendi due to Real Sociedad demanding that any interested club triggers his release clause. The Reds had the funds available to do so, as well, but Aperribay feels Zubimendi ‘understood’ it was not the right time to join Liverpool.
“There has been no conversation with Zubimendi to renew the contract,” the Real Sociedad president said at the unveiling of Nayef Aguerd and Orri Oskarsson. “There hasn’t been one now and there hasn’t been one before. He didn’t put any conditions on us.
“He understood the moment and knew that it was a market in which some players were already going to leave, and he understood that it was time to stay at Real Sociedad.
“He has not made it a condition for us to renew nor have we talked about it. The conversation with Martin was short and quick.”
Martin Zubimendi’s reasoning could entice Liverpool to target a transfer in 2025
Zubimendi not asking Real Sociedad to improve the terms of his contract may prove enticing for Liverpool as they mull targeting his transfer again in 2025. The Txuri-Urdin product’s deal currently runs until June 2027 but he is not yet demanding the Spanish side extends his stay.
That Aperribay claims Zubimendi ‘understood’ it was not the right time to join Liverpool due to other players leaving Real Sociedad could also encourage the Anfield outfit. He elected to stay at the Anoeta, but Arsenal signed up fellow Spain midfielder Mikel Merino this summer.
Real Sociedad even sold a key name in their backline after Robin Le Normand joined Atletico Madrid this summer. So, selling Zubimendi to Liverpool as well would have carved a massive void in the side’s spine which the San Sebastian native seemingly sought to help them avoid.
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