Noticias de Gipuzkoa report that after a week in which Martin Zubimendi had seemed ‘more out than in’ at Real Sociedad, there’s now something of a belief, and indeed a relief, that the midfielder is staying.
The Basque newspaper makes it clear Liverpool had been a temptation for the Euro 2024 winner, partly because Xabi Alonso is his idol and the Reds presented the opportunity to follow in the same footsteps.
It’s also made clear Liverpool’s offer was ‘dizzying’, including a salary offer which La Real ‘could not get close to’, but if nothing changes the 25-year-old will be staying where he is.
As Noticias de Gipuzkoa explain, Zubimendi has been laughing and joking in training today, and it’s seen as the ‘calm after the storm’.
Manager Imanol Alguacil is breathing a sigh of relief, having been concerned that this time Zubimendi could actually be off.
There’s now clearly a Basque belief that the mini saga has quickly come to an end and has been decided in Real Sociedad’s favour. Whether Liverpool can do anything about that, or if they’ll even try, should become clear in the coming days.
