Featured Image Credit: Getty/Movistar
Topics: Liverpool, Real Sociedad, Football
Marcus Chan
Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has dropped a major update on Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi.
Heading into the 24/25 season, Liverpool are the only club in the Premier League yet to make a new signing in the summer transfer window.
The Reds had picked out Sociedad and Spain star Zubimendi to strengthen Arne Slot’s midfield options.
However, the 25-year-old rejected a move to Anfield last week.
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After rejecting a move to England, Zubimendi returned to action for Sociedad as he came on at the start of the second half for Urko Gonzalez.
They fell to a 2-1 defeat against Rayo Vallecano, with Zubimendi scoring in stoppage time.
Speaking after the match, Sociedad boss Alguacil claimed that Zubimendi could still leave the club before the transfer window closes.
As reported by Spanish news outlet Marca, Alguacil said: “It has not been complicated at all, it is what happens every year, to all coaches, clubs and sporting directors. Every summer there is movement. Merino and Le Normand? There are no two players like them. And I won't even tell you if Zubimendi leaves us at the last minute.
“They are irreplaceable players. Because of what they have done, we are talking about Le Normand leaving, Arsenal want Merino and Liverpool were willing to pay the release clause for Zubimendi. But we cannot always look for an excuse when Merino and Le Normand are not there if things don't work out for us.”
He added: “The first two changes were more tactical, but Martín has not started because yesterday he told me that he was not fit, he has been under incredible pressure, but today I told him to make an effort, because of the yellow card that Urko has received.”
Prior to Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Ipswich Town, manager Slot was asked about Zubimendi.
He said: “I said many times already, I think our squad is really strong and it’s not too easy to find players to help us or strengthen the squad.
“Zubimendi was one of those, to be fair, but he decided not to come and we go forward with the ones we have – Endo is one who did really well in pre-season.”
Slot continued: “We are in a good place. In the background, Richard is trying everything to strengthen the squad he can.
“Unfortunately, Zubimendi decided not to come. [Richard] tried everything, but if a player doesn’t want to come, it’s obvious that he’s not coming.”