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Zubimendi Speaks Out: Why He Rejected Liverpool’s Offer

Liverpool’s pursuit of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi dominated headlines throughout the summer. As Liverpool’s No. 1 transfer target, Zubimendi seemed poised to make a big-money move to Anfield. However, in a surprising turn of events, the talented midfielder chose loyalty over opportunity, opting to stay with Real Sociedad despite the Reds’ willingness to meet his full €60m release clause.

In a candid interview with Noticias de Gipuzkoa, Zubimendi finally broke his silence on the decision, offering insights into his thought process during one of the most hectic transfer windows in recent memory.

Zubimendi’s Philosophy and Loyalty

The 25-year-old midfielder explained his reasoning, citing his deep connection to his current club and his desire to stay true to his personal philosophy. “My philosophy is to do what I feel at all times,” Zubimendi said in his interview. “So far, things have gone well for me.”

Photo: IMAGO

His decision, which stunned Liverpool fans and management alike, came amidst swirling media speculation and mounting pressure. He acknowledged the difficulties, sharing: “It is true that there was a lot of noise. I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here, and I am happy and at peace.”

Despite Real Sociedad’s rocky start to the season, Zubimendi remains steadfast in his choice. With just two wins from their first nine matches, some fans might question whether he made the right call. But the midfielder stands firm, stating, “Of course I don’t regret it, I can’t think that after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within.”

Liverpool’s Unfulfilled Vision for Zubimendi

Liverpool’s interest in Zubimendi was not just a fleeting one. The club saw him as the ideal candidate to fill a critical role in Arne Slot’s new-look midfield, a player capable of dictating the tempo and orchestrating play. His technical ability, vision, and intelligence on the ball made him a prime target, especially given Liverpool’s focus on rebuilding their midfield post-Klopp.

Reports suggest that Zubimendi was seen as the lynchpin in Slot’s strategic vision. His unique ability to pull the strings in midfield would have provided Liverpool with the control and composure that has sometimes been lacking. Despite the disappointment of missing out on his signature, Liverpool’s admiration for Zubimendi remains intact, with sources indicating that they could reignite their interest in future transfer windows.

Photo: IMAGO

Manchester City’s New Interest: A Complicated Situation

While Liverpool may still hold out hope for signing Zubimendi in the future, Manchester City have now emerged as serious contenders. With Rodri out for the remainder of the season due to knee surgery, Pep Guardiola’s side are in desperate need of midfield reinforcements. According to multiple sources, City have added Zubimendi to their list of potential January signings.

Noticias de Gipuzkoa was quick to highlight City’s interest, stating: “While the echoes of the Reds’ interest have not yet disappeared, now the one that appears is that of Manchester City due to Rodri’s serious injury.” With a substantial transfer budget available and a squad that is always seeking improvement, City could very well succeed where Liverpool failed.

Football Insider echoed these claims, noting that City are prepared to spend big in January. As the Premier League champions search for their next midfield maestro, Zubimendi’s name is increasingly being linked with a move to the Etihad.

Zubimendi’s Future: Staying or Going?

For now, Zubimendi appears content at Real Sociedad, even in the face of their current struggles. His loyalty to the club and belief in its potential are clear. “I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I’m excited about having a good season,” he said, exuding confidence despite the disappointing results so far.

However, football is a game of constant evolution, and Zubimendi’s future remains uncertain. While he might stay with Real Sociedad for the foreseeable future, the allure of the Premier League and the potential to work under managers like Arne Slot or Pep Guardiola could eventually prove too tempting to resist.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, Zubimendi’s decision to remain at Real Sociedad feels like a missed opportunity. It’s hard not to imagine the Basque midfielder thriving in the current Liverpool setup under Arne Slot, whose approach would suit Zubimendi’s technical skills and calm composure. With Liverpool’s midfield still transitioning after Klopp’s departure, someone of Zubimendi’s calibre would have been the ideal conductor in the middle of the park.

Yet, it’s equally difficult to blame Zubimendi for choosing to stay loyal to his boyhood club. Football is often romanticised for such loyalty, and in today’s age of mega-money transfers and career-driven moves, it’s rare to see a player stick to his roots. His comments about feeling at peace with his decision show that this was a choice made with conviction rather than financial motivation.

The looming threat of Manchester City swooping in to secure his services only adds to the intrigue. If City do come knocking in January, it may leave Liverpool fans wondering what could have been if their pursuit had been just a little more persistent. In any case, Zubimendi remains a name to watch, and his story in connection with the Premier League is far from over.