Martin Zubimendi turned down a move to Liverpool last summer, choosing to stay loyal to Real Sociedad at the time.

Despite Liverpool’s strong interest in 2024, Zubimendi made it clear he wasn’t ready to leave Real Sociedad.



Loyalty played a major role — the midfielder had just helped his boyhood club secure Champions League qualification and was seen as a key figure in Imanol Alguacil’s system.

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Arne Slot identified the Spaniard as his top target for the holding midfield role during last summer’s transfer window, viewing him as a key piece for his Reds setup.

And that was staying."

Whether or not the Reds will consider another holding midfielder is yet to be seen, considering Ryan Gravenberch has excelled in the role this season, with Wataru Endo being a more than competent back-up.

Hetold the BBC in January: "He turned down Liverpool and was a star of the moment of the season when he replaced Rodri at half-time for Spain in the Euro final.

England exploded with happiness when Rodri went off but he is perhaps, after Rodri, the best holding midfielder in the world.

"I was told everything was done with Liverpool but he decided personally not to leave?