Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad has been linked with Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
Martin Zubimendi has revealed his shock upon Liverpool’s attempt to snag him last summer, maintaining that his decision to stay with Real Sociedad was not tough and leaving the Spanish club would have been “selfish”.
He confided to El Diario Vasco about rejecting the Merseysiders’ offer: “I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise,” adding, “It wasn’t something I had planned.
“It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay.”
Furthermore, Zubimendi challenged the notion of rare chances: “I don’t believe in ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunities. If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush.
“I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club’s project. I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take. It wasn’t that hard of a decision.”
Despite Zubimendi’s choice to decline and Ryan Gravenberch’s subsequent success as Liverpool’s number six, neither party has much regret over the failed transfer.
Martin Zubimendi in action for Real Sociedad. (Image: Getty)
“There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me. And that was staying.”
Zubimendi reiterated his desire to stay at Sociedad, despite the club eight points off the top four in La Liga, coming as a potential blow to Manchester City.
Following the injury to Rodri and subsequent drop off in form, City have been tipped to enter the transfer market for a natural replacement.
The Manchester Evening News, however, claims that neither Zubimendi nor Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes are considered realistic targets in the new year.
Pep Guardiola’s outfit instead may have to look to internal options, with Kalvin Phillips out of favour on loan at Ipswich, or another incoming player.
But with Zubimendi seemingly against leaving Sociedad despite a £51million release clause, and Newcastle unwilling to let their Brazilian star leave, City could be left frustrated in the window.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1991669/Liverpool-transfer-news-Martin-Zubimendi-Man-City