Transfer News: Martin Zubimendi Rejects Liverpool Transfer in Order to Stay at Real Sociedad

Liverpool’s No.1 target of the summer, Martin Zubimendi, has rejected a transfer to the Premier League giants in order to stay with his boyhood club. The Reds have been in negotiation with Real Sociedad for quite some time now.

However, in a surprising turn of events, Zubimendi decided to remain loyal to the San Sebastian-based club. The 25-year-old midfielder had a 51-million-pound release clause in his contract, which Liverpool were expected to trigger. But Sociedad were desperate to keep hold of their midfield lynchpin, as they offered him a new contract with higher wages. As a result, the Spanish midfielder will now stay with the Basque club. 

It still remains to be seen if Liverpool go after any other Martin Zubimendi alternatives. So far, they are the only Premier League team that didn’t make any signings in the summer transfer window of 2024. Despite their failure to land Martin Zubimendi, Liverpool manager Arne Slot can still call upon the likes of Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. Having said that, only Wataru Endo has the experience and tactical nous of playing as the pivot (No.6) in midfield.  

Several media outlets have reported that Arne Slot desperately wants a new No.6, and Martin Zubimendi was the man. The 25-year-old midfielder impressed many fans with his display in the Euro 2024 final. He replaced Rodri after halftime, and expertly dictated the tempo of the game from midfield. He helped Real Sociedad finish 6th in La Liga last season, scoring four times in 31 appearances. 

Liverpool interested in Giorgi Mamardashvili 

Although Liverpool haven’t made any signings this transfer window, their wait for new additions might soon end, as they have shown interest in Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. According to Fabrizio Romano, “Liverpool are seriously considering opportunity to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili for fee in excess of €30m for Valencia and then loan him out. No final decision yet but talks continue, it’s up to Liverpool.” Romano also added that the 23-year-old keeper is very keen on the move. 

However, Liverpool have one of the best keepers in the world in Alisson. So, if the Reds do sign Mamardashvili then a loan move out will be the most feasible option for the Georgian. Bournemouth have registered their interest in signing Mamardashvili on loan for the 2024/25 season. However, this scenario can only play out if Liverpool decide to fork out 30-million euros for the Georgian goalkeeper. With the transfer deadline day less than three weeks away, Liverpool must quickly get their transfers over the line. 

Also Read: Transfer News: Samu Omorodion’s Proposed Move to Chelsea Collapses