Liverpool’s efforts to sign Martin Zubimendi can now be considered dead in the water, at least if the latest from Spain is anything to go by.
AS and El Diario Vasco cover the situation today and how Zubimendi’s inclusion in Sociedad’s squad taking on Rayo Vallecano on Sunday should be the final nail in the coffin for Liverpool’s chances.
The Reds had turned their attention to Zubimendi as they look for a new number six for Arne Slot’s squad and believed they were close to getting their man at one point.
However, there was an abrupt turn in the matter over the last week, with the midfielder seemingly deciding against the move to Anfield when pressure started to build up, particularly in the media.
Liverpool have almost publically given up on the deal, with manager Arne Slot admitting they had tried but failed in his pre-match press conference this week.
AS say the same, reporting that Zubimendi is in the squad for Real’s clash with Rayo Vallecano. As such the Reds ‘consider him lost’.
Sociedad appear to have won the ‘tug-of-war’ and are now negotiating a new deal with the player that will include ‘a shield’ to ‘avoid scares’ in future.
El Diario Vasco, meanwhile, cover comments from Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil, who is very happy to be keeping hold of the player.
“I am very happy that he is staying, like everyone who stays,” he said.
“I am clear that Martin has tremendous potential, he had a top year, and we knew he was going to have this type of offer.
“Liverpool is a big team, look at the money he wanted to put on the table. He is from San Sebastian, he has said he wants to stay, so imagine what it means for him to be with us.”
