THE APPRECIATION FOR ZUBIMENDI IS STILL THERE : Liverpool believe is the perfect signing for tactical idea they have at the club right now,negotiations ongoing ahead of January transfer window full story here 👇

LFC TRANSFER UPDATE: Spain star Martin Zubimendi breaks silence on £51million Liverpool transfer collapse

Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi looked to be on the way to Liverpool this summer after the Reds activated a release clause written into his contract and he has now spoken out

Martin Zubimendi insists he has no regrets after turning down a summer move to Liverpool.

The Spanish midfielder was a major target for Arne Slot and the Kop top brass, with Liverpool going as far as activating a release clause written into his contract. A deal would have been worth just over £51million.

The Euro 2024 winner has now reiterated his dedication to the Spanish side, insisting he is happy with his decision to stay put in La Liga with his boyhood club and dismissing the notion that he was pressured into spurning the Anfield switch by friends and family.

Speaking to Marca, he said: “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.”

Liverpool boss Slot recently confirmed that Zubimendi had turned down a move to Anfield but he remained confident in the Reds’ remaining midfield options. The Dutchman said: “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 improve 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. We’re in a good place.

Martin Zubimendi decided to stay with Real Sociedad

“[Sporting director] Richard [Hughes] is trying to strengthen the squad. Zubimendi decided not to come, we did every effort. If a player decides not to come then it’s obvious he’s not coming.”

In the end, Liverpool did not add to their midfield options this summer, with their only signing being a £10m deal for Juventus’ Federico Chiesa. The Reds also agreed a deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili but the Georgian will not officially join until next summer.

Meanwhile, Arsenal were also interested in a move for Zubimendi but eventually moved for his former Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino. The Gunners have paid an initial £28.4m for the midfielder but he has been ruled out for two months with a shoulder injury.