Real Socieded manager aims dig at Liverpool over failed Martin Zubimendi transfer pursuit

Liverpool are still awaiting Arne Slot's first signing since becoming the Anfield club's new chief this summer - and his Real Sociedad counterpart has aimed a dig at the Premier League side after their failed transfer pursuit of Martin Zubimendi.

Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the Merseyside club dugout on a three-year deal after he joined from Dutch team Feyenoord in June.

Liverpool began their Premier League season with victory today on the road against Ipswich Town.

Diogo Jota put the Reds in front on the hour mark at Portman Road and Mohamed Salah doubled the advantage shortly afterwards to secure a 2-0 triumph.

Despite a positive start to the season, the Merseyside club are still yet to sign any new players this summer, and it is now under a fortnight to go before the summer transfer window closes for business on Friday, August 30.

Earlier in the window, it appeared as though Liverpool might have been able to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi, who won Euro 2024 with Spain this summer, who would have been Slot's first acquisition at Anfield.

It was reported that Liverpool had identified the 25-year-old as their primary transfer target after deciding to strengthen their options in midfield and were heavily linked with his signature.

However, despite Liverpool willing to pay the release clause of €60m in the Spaniard’s contract, which runs until the summer of 2027, Zubimendi rejected the chance to move to Anfield.

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Zubimendi has spent his entire career at the San Sebastian club, racking up 187 appearances and scoring seven goals since his first team debut in 2019, winning the Copa del Rey with La Real in 2020.

The defensive midfielder also has 10 caps for Spain and came off the bench in the 2-1 Euro 2024 final victory against England in Berlin.

Zubimendi's manager at club level, Imanol Alguacil, has now spoken about the midfielder's decision to reject Liverpool and remain at Sociedad.

And Alguacil has revealed his pride in Zubimendi's choice to stay, as well as aiming a dig at the Anfield club for rejecting the 'big money' he was offered to move to the Premier League side and for the midfielder believing Liverpool were no bigger a team than his current outfit.

As per Goal, he said: "We have to be proud of Zubimendi, he said no to Liverpool despite the big money they offered him.

"For me, Real Sociedad is the biggest club and I believe Zubimendi thought the same so he decided to reject Liverpool's bid."