Zubimendi on 'selfish' reason for rejecting Liverpool – 'Wasn't that hard'

Martin Zubimendi has explained why he pulled out of a move to Liverpool in the summer in favour of staying with Real Sociedad.

Arne Slot made signing a new No. 6 a priority after taking over from Jurgen Klopp and losing Thiago Alcantara. Zubimendi stood out as the best option after another solid season with La Real was followed by Spain’s win at Euro 2024.

Liverpool triggered Zubimendi’s release clause of €60million (£50m) and believed they had got their man. However, the Spain international had a change of heart and pulled out of the deal, leaving the Reds to abandon the idea of signing a midfielder in the window.

The emergence of Ryan Gravenberch under Slot’s management has meant that snubbing in the summer transfer window hasn’t been damaging for Liverpool. But Zubimendi remains on their radar, while rivals Manchester City have also been credited with interest following the season-ending injury to Rodri.

Explaining what happened in the summer to El Diario Vasco, Zubimendi said: “I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise. It wasn’t something I had planned. I reacted when the situation arose. It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay.

“I don’t believe in 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunities. If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush.

“I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club’s project. I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take. It wasn’t that hard of a decision. There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me – and that was staying.”

The 25-year-old midfielder has spent his entire career at Real Sociedad, having been born in San Sebastian and having come through the club’s academy. He has made 209 appearances for his hometown club, has won the Copa del Rey with them, and has two and a half years left on his contract.

He has not ruled out leaving Real Sociedad, but wants to do so when he feels the time is right. Speaking in October, Zubimendi said: “My philosophy is to do what I feel at all times. So far, things have gone well for me. 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. There is a lot of noise because of the press 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 potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I'm excited about having a good season.”