Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi has admitted he was caught by surprise by Liverpool’s bid for him in the summer and had to isolate himself before turning them down.
El Diario Vasco have an interview with the 25-year-old today after a summer in which he found himself firmly in the spotlight.
He was the subject of a bid from Liverpool in the summer as the Reds looked to add a number six to their squad for new manager Arne Slot.
There was initial optimism that the midfielder would make the move, with some reports claiming that he had his bags packed ready to move to Anfield at one point.
Instead, he decided to completely reject Liverpool’s approach and remain with Real Sociedad, the club where he has risen through the youth ranks to become a first-team star.
That decision ultimately worked out for all parties as he strengthened his relationship with his boyhood club and Liverpool instead pivoted their plans and turned Ryan Gravenberch into their defensive midfielder instead. That’s certainly worked out for them so far.
Now Zubimendi has looked back on the situation, with El Diario Vasco asking why he made the decision to stay and, crucially, if he regrets doing so.
“I went on holiday, and it caught me by surprise. It wasn’t something I had planned. I acted when the situation arose,” he said.
“It was an uncomfortable moment for me, because people talk a lot, but I weighed up the pros and cons with my father at home and I came to the conclusion that the best thing was to stay at Real.
“I looked at my personal progress, how I am, the club’s project… I stayed because I knew that this year, I was going to be very important in the team and because I still had steps to take at Real. It wasn’t such a difficult decision to make.
“They were difficult days for me, and it didn’t occur to me to read anything that was said out there. I didn’t leave the house much or talk to people. I wanted to be isolated to make the best decision.”
