Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has opted to remain at his boyhood club, rejecting a potential move to Liverpool. Despite a £51m release clause that made him an attractive target for the Premier League side, the Spanish international decided to stay in La Liga after Sociedad offered him a new contract with improved terms. This comes as a blow to Liverpool, who had been the only Premier League club yet to make a summer signing.
Zubimendi, who played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 final victory over England, has been with Real Sociedad since he was 12 years old and played a crucial part in the club’s sixth-place finish last season, scoring four goals in 31 appearances. Sociedad, already losing Robin Le Normand to Atletico Madrid and facing transfer speculation around Mikel Merino, were desperate to keep Zubimendi, and his decision to stay will be a significant relief for the Basque club.
For Liverpool, the decision marks a setback for new head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes, who had identified Zubimendi as a vital addition to strengthen their midfield. The Reds may now need to look at alternative targets, although they still have a strong midfield lineup featuring players like Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, and Alexis Mac Allister, with Trent Alexander-Arnold also being an option in the role.
Slot kicks off Reds reign with trip to Ipswich
Arne Slot begins his tenure as Liverpool manager with a lunchtime visit to newly promoted Ipswich Town on the opening Saturday of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Just three games into his reign, Slot will face a tough test against fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag when Liverpool clash with rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford, currently set for Saturday, August 31.
The Reds have challenging fixtures ahead, with back-to-back matches against Chelsea at home and Arsenal away in October, followed by a showdown with Manchester City at Anfield in late November. The first Merseyside derby takes place at Goodison Park on December 7, while the new year starts with a home game against Manchester United on January 4. In the second half of the season, Liverpool visit the reigning champions on February 22 before the Merseyside derby returns to Anfield on April 2. The campaign wraps up with consecutive matches against Chelsea (away) and Arsenal (home) in May, before finishing with Crystal Palace at Anfield on the final day.
