Martin Zubimendi will be ‘kicking himself’ over Liverpool decision as ‘regret’ emerges

Former Liverpool ace Glen Johnson reckons Martin Zubimendi is ruing his decision to snub a move to Anfield. The Euro 2024-winning midfielder seemed set for a switch to the Reds in August, with the club ready to trigger his £50million-plus release clause.

Yet, in a dramatic U-turn, Zubimendi chose to stay with Real Sociedad, who have since endured a dismal start to their campaign, with only one victory in their first seven matches in La Liga leaving them in 16th place. Instead of competing in the Champions League and vying for the Premier League crown, the 25-year-old potentially faces a relegation fight.

There are now suggestions that Zubimendi may be having second thoughts about rejecting Arne Slot’s side and is hoping Liverpool reignite their interest in January after failing to bolster their midfield options before the transfer window slammed shut.

While Johnson acknowledges Zubimendi’s commitment to his current club, he expressed surprise at the player’s summer snub, having been convinced to stay put by his manager, Imanol Alguacil. Speaking to BetFred, Johnson said: “You can respect his decision to remain loyal to his club because it’s hard to turn Liverpool down when they come knocking.

“Everybody would like the play for them, so I’m surprised he turned the move down in the first place. If he’s reportedly regretting the decision now, then I can totally understand that, especially when you consider that Real Sociedad are struggling this season in La Liga.

“He’ll be kicking himself knowing that he could have been challenging for the Premier League title, but instead he finds himself fighting relegation in La Liga.”

Despite the interest in Zubimendi, whose contract runs until 2027, there has been no talk about a new deal, with Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay recently telling local media outlet Noticias de Gipuzkoa: “He did not put any conditions on us [about a new contract].

“He understood the moment and knew that it was a market in which some players were already going to leave, and he understood that it was time to stay at Real Sociedad. He has not put a renewal as a condition nor have we talked about it. The conversation with Martin was short and quick.”

Slot has said Liverpool have “moved on” from Zubimendi, although his desire to strengthen his midfield with a world-class player means a fresh approach for the Spain star cannot be ruled out. The Dutchman said: “There is no point talking about Zubimendi anymore because he stayed with Real Sociedad and we’ve moved.”