Liverpool, with Arne Slot in the newly appointed managerial position, had agreed to place Spanish midfielder Martín Zubimendi, who plays for Real Sociedad, at the top of their list of reinforcements in order to leverage their midfield structure, and also pay the release clause included in his contract.
The final decision was left to the player, who pledged his loyalty to the club where he grew up as a child, while both clubs conducted persuasion. In the end, Liverpool were unable to add anyone to their midfield, but they have made a successful start to the Premier League season, keeping three consecutive clean sheets since the start of the season.
The 25-year-old defensive midfielder does not regret his decision this summer, revealing that those around him were convinced of the path the Spanish midfielder had decided to take. He also said that he wants to finish La Real as high up the table as possible in terms of his goals for the season.
“No, no, my friends are clear that whatever I decide [for my future] will be the best,”
“There is no pressure whatsoever.”
“Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I have spent half my life there. A lot of what I am is part of la Real, it is my life.”
“[Our goal to qualify for] Europe is clear. The higher the position, the better. We have to look for our best version and, above all, compete. To feel competitive, to be recognised and to be seen with personality.”
Marca
Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has replaced Zubimendi at the bottom of midfield, but has performed so well that he seems like a different player from last season, evolving with each game.
With Japan midfielder Wataru Endo and England midfielder Curtis Jones as back-up, will Liverpool go through to the end of the season with their current squad, or will they bring someone in this winter…?