Martin Zubimendi, who was close to joining Liverpool during the summer transfer window, has finally spoken about the failed move to England.
While the Reds believed the deal was nearly complete and Zubimendi was ready to join, both the player and Real Sociedad declined due to Zubimendi’s loyalty to the club, having spent his entire career with the La Liga side.
Ahead of Real Sociedad’s Europa League match against Anderlecht, Zubimendi was asked if he regretted not signing with Liverpool.
He stated he had no regrets, feeling content in Donostia-San Sebastian despite passing up the opportunity to join one of the Premier League’s top clubs.
Real Sociedad has had a rough start to the season, sitting 14th in La Liga with only two wins from their first eight matches.
Zubimendi has started every game, scoring once in the season opener against Rayo Vallecano, a match that ended in a draw.
For Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot, signing the Spanish midfielder was a priority as he was unsure who would be the team’s primary defensive midfielder.
However, after relying on 22-year-old Ryan Gravenberch from the first Premier League match against Ipswich, the Dutch player has delivered outstanding performances, playing a key role in all five league victories.
Gravenberch has started in seven of eight matches, earning the ‘Man of the Match’ award twice—once in the 3-1 Champions League win over AC Milan and again in the recent 2-1 victory against Wolves.
His performances have impressed both the club’s board and his teammates, especially after a difficult first season under Jurgen Klopp, where he seldom started.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad’s next challenge is a Europa League clash against Anderlecht, where they currently sit 16th after a 1-1 draw with Ligue 1 side Nice.
Arne Slot is aiming for his first Champions League title with Liverpool after the team failed to qualify for the 2022/23 season under Jurgen Klopp, finishing 5th in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s last Champions League campaign ended in disappointment, with a 6-2 aggregate loss to Real Madrid.
