Why Didn’t Liverpool’s Martin Zubimendi Transfer Happen?

In the summer of 2024, Liverpool were dealing with the departure of Jürgen Klopp, who had been the club’s manager for nearly nine years, as well as the arrival of Arne Slot as the new ‘Head Coach’.

Whilst some supporters were desperate for immediate transfer activity, the club initially kept its powder dry as the Dutchman unpacked his boxes and got to work with those players that were not away on international duty in the various tournaments that were taking place.

Then, as the window’s end drew closer, reports of a deal for Martin Zubimendi emerged. Ultimately, though, it didn’t happen.

The question is, why not?

What Happened?

Arne Slot had taken his time to see what he was working with at Liverpool following the Dutchman’s arrival as the club’s new ‘Head Coach’ in the summer. Evidently less than impressed by the long-term prospects of mouthguard wearing Wataru Endō, news emerged that the club were looking to pay the release clause of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.

It looked to be a coup for the Reds, with Zubimendi having reportedly turned down moves to Manchester United and Arsenal in the past but seemingly keen to move to Merseyside. The only question was around the fee that Liverpool would pay and they way that they’d pay it.

🚨🔴 Liverpool are exploring move for Martin Zubimendi as new midfielder, as there’s €60m release clause into his contract.

Talks will follow between clubs and on player side. pic.twitter.com/4poac9d5rC

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 7, 2024

Zubimendi, it was believed, had a release clause in his contract with Real Sociedad worth €60 million. Richard Hughes, meanwhile, was negotiating with his counterparts at the Basque club in order to find out whether the Reds could pay less than that or were able to make a payment in a more bank-balance friendly manner.

Soon, though, concern grew amongst the Liverpool fanbase when the deal wasn’t done. Surely if the Reds just needed to pay a release clause then there was nothing that could be done, provided the player was keen on the move to Anfield to join up with the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah?

La Real Weren’t Willing to Let Him Go Easily

The major problem for Liverpool was that Real Sociedad were not overly keen on letting their midfielder leave without a fight. Having helped to win the Euros for Spain during the summer, Zubimendi’s reputation was high and La Real had already lost Mikel Merino to Arsenal.

If they could make it through the summer without losing the player that had been with them through the youth system then they were keen to at least try. As a result, they looked to play hardball with both Liverpool and the player himself, pulling on his heartstrings by pointing out the fact that he had been with them throughout his playing career.

Zubimendi had spoken previously about his love of San Sebastián, eventually saying, “I made my decision from within, I believed it was the best, the results do not affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I’m excited to have a good season”.

It was believed that Sociedad told the player that if he wanted to leave the club then he would have to pay his own release clause, which is something that the player was ultimately unwilling to do. Having been at La Real since the age of 12, the midfielder struggled to pull the trigger on the move in spite of reportedly being keen to sign for the Reds.

A Future Move Isn’t Out of the Question

Ever since Fenway Sports Group appointed Michael Edwards as Liverpool’s Sporting Director, which is a role that is now being fulfilled by Richard Hughes, the club has kept players on its radar long after the initial interest has come to nought.

With that in mind, the Reds are almost certain to go back in for Zubimendi in a future transfer window, presuming that he doesn’t move to a new club in the meantime. It is certainly interesting, for example, that the club’s President, Jokin Aperribay, confirmed that the Spaniard has not signed a new contract with the club in the wake of the saga that took place between them and Liverpool in the summer.

@jla.fc James’ latest analysis video on the Spain and Real Sociedad midfielder that makes him a unique 6 and how he evaluates Arne Slot’s Liverpool. 🇪🇸 Video now live on the channel. 👊 #Zubimendi #LFC #JLA ♬ original sound – James Allcott

For Liverpool, the fact that the move for Zubimendi didn’t happen in the end has been something of a blessing in disguise. It has allowed for the emergence of Ryan Gravenberch, who has proven himself to be an incredible talent in the middle of the pitch. In fact, the Dutch international has been a nominee for Liverpool’s Player of the Match in virtually every game that he’s played so far this season.

Of course, the Reds will be all too aware of how quickly seasons can unravel thanks to injury, so the desire to bring in another player to play in the number six role won’t have gone anywhere, with Zubimendi still likely to be the player in question.