Various sources have now confirmed that Martin Zubimendi will REMAIN with Real Sociedad and the Spain midfielder could even sign a new contract.
It comes as a crushing blow for Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes, with it claimed that the Scot had been given Zubimendi’s word that he would move to Anfield this week.
However, it first emerged on Monday evening through Spanish outlet Relevo that the Spain Euro 2024 hero had experienced a change of heart and decided to stay put with his boyhood club.
Real Sociedad had ramped up the pressure on Zubimendi to stay since news broke last week of Liverpool’s interest.
Read more: Liverpool’s last-gasp attempt to sway key target
The player’s contract buyout clause stood at €60 million and it was reported that Zubimendi would be forced to hand over the cash to LaLiga himself in order for his contract to be rescinded.
It was later revealed that the Reds had given the 25-year-old until Wednesday of this week in order to force through the move but hopes on Merseyside now appear to be definitively dashed.
Various sources elsewhere have now confirmed that Martin Zubimendi will REMAIN with Real Sociedad and the Spain midfielder could even sign a new contract, making him the team’s highest-paid individual.
Liverpool yet to make senior signing
Liverpool will instead be using Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo, Curtis Jones and various younger players to fill the No.6 role this season with alternatives to Zubimendi now in short supply during this transfer period.
The Anfield club are the ONLY team in the top five European leagues yet to register a new signing with Arne Slot having run the rule over his squad options during the months of July and August.
Club captain Virgil van Dijk called on his club to make signings before the window closed this summer but those calls now look set to fall on deaf ears.
Other targets like Leny Yoro, meanwhile, have ended up elsewhere during what is proving to be a very difficult first transfer window for new sporting director Hughes.
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