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Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil has opened up on Martin Zubimendi's failed move to Liverpool this summer. He praised the midfielder for rejecting the move and staying at the Spanish club.
The Reds are the only club in Europe's top five leagues to have not made a signing this summer for their senior men's team. They were keen on bringing in midfielder Martin Zubimendi and also sent him a proposal. However, he rejected the move to stay with Real Sociedad.
Manager Imanol Alguacil recently said about the failed move (via Fabrizio Romano):
“We have to be proud of Zubimendi, he said no to Liverpool despite 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 #LFC bid."
Zubimendi came through Real Sociedad's academy and has made 188 appearances for them so far. He also played a significant role in Spain's UEFA Euro 2024 triumph this summer. He replaced an injured Rodri in the second half of the final against England and helped La Roja win 2-1.
Arne Slot on Liverpool's failed move to Martin Zubimendi
The Reds' new manager Arne Slot shared his thoughts on their failed attempt to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer. He asserted that Liverpool have a good squad and that the hierarchy are working behind the scenes to bring in more players.
In a pre-match press conference ahead of their 2024-25 Premier League opener at Ipswich Town on August 17, Slot said (via BBC):
"I've said many times already that our squad is really strong and it's not so easy to find players who can help us or even strengthen the squad. Zubimendi was one of them to be fair, but he decided not to come. We go forward with the ones we have. [Wataru] Endo did well in pre-season so we're in a good place.
"In the background, [sporting director] Richard [Hughes] is trying to strengthen the squad as he can but, unfortunately, Zubimendi decided not to come. He did every effort to bring him in but, if a player decides not to come, then it's obvious he's not coming."
Liverpool saw Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip leave as free agents at the end of last season. Calvin Ramsay has joined Wigan Athletic on loan while Adrian left on a free transfer to join Real Betis. Fabio Carvalho has joined Brentford for around €23 million.
