Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi clears up rumours suggesting that he regrets not joining Liverpool in the summer.
Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi has played down rumours suggesting that he regrets not joining Liverpool in the summer.
The 25-year-old was strongly linked with a big-money move to the Premier League giants, who were prioritising the addition of a new defensive midfielder in Arne Slot‘s first transfer window as manager.
However, Zubimendi opted to stay put at boyhood club Real Sociedad, where he has made 197 appearances since and including his senior debut in 2019 and has established himself as one of the best midfielders in La Liga.
Rumours surfaced after the summer transfer window shut claiming that the Spain international regretted turning down a move to Anfield and went as far as to ask Liverpool to reignite their interest in his services in January.
Real Sociedad have experienced a difficult start to the new season, winning just two of their opening eight La Liga matches – now sitting 16th in the table as a result – and Zubimendi was alleged to have become disenchanted with the club’s sporting vision.
However, Zubimendi has publicly denied such rumours and has insisted that he has no regrets about turning down a move to Liverpool in the summer.
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Zubimendi dismisses Liverpool ‘regret’ rumours
Speaking to local news outlet Noticias De Gipuzkoa, as quoted by the Daily Mail, the midfielder said: “My philosophy is to do at home at all times what comes from within.
“I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. Because of the press there is a lot of noise but in the end everything is easier than all that.
“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, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don’t affect me.
“I see the potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I’m excited about having a good season.”
Despite this, it is understood that Liverpool are willing to reignite their pursuit of the Euro 2024 winner in January, although Slot has been impressed with Ryan Gravenberch in the holding midfield role at the start of this season.
Should Liverpool make another move for Zubimendi, they could face competition from Premier League rivals Manchester City, who have allegedly identified the Spaniard as a possible winter-window target following the serious knee injury suffered by Rodri.