Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi said that Real Sociedad are 'his life' when questioned on his decision to reject a move away during this summer's transfer window.
The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a transfer away from Real Sociedad during the recent transfer market, with Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal said to be admirers.
However, the strongest interest late in the window arrived from Liverpool, with the Reds thought to have identified the Spaniard as their leading target for the defensive position in midfield.
The Reds are believed to have activated the £51m release clause in his contract, only for Zubimendi to turn down the opportunity to join the English giants in favour of remaining with the White and Blues.
There have been claims that Zubimendi's family and friends put pressure on him to remain with La Real, but the Euro 2024 winner has insisted that he made the final decision on his future.
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Zubimendi rejected the chance to join Liverpool over the summer
"No, no, my friends are clear that whatever I decide [for my future] will be the best," Zubimendi told Marca when asked about potential outside influences. "There is no pressure whatsoever.
"Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I have spent half my life there. A lot of what I am is part of la Real, it is my life.
"[Our goal to qualify for] Europe is clear. The higher the position, the better. We have to look for our best version and, above all, compete. To feel competitive, to be recognised and to be seen with personality."
Zubimendi joined Real Sociedad in 2011, progressing through the various age groups at the club and also Real Sociedad C and Real Sociedad B before making his first-team debut in 2019.
The midfielder has represented the Basque side on 192 occasions in all competitions, scoring nine goals and registering seven assists, including four appearances this term, with the team winning one, drawing one and losing two of their first four games of the new campaign.
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Will Liverpool return for Zubimendi?
It is going to be very difficult for Real Sociedad to keep hold of Zubimendi on a long-term basis, as the release clause in his current deal makes him affordable considering his age and quality.
There will surely become a time when Zubimendi wants to play at the highest level consistently, and it is difficult to imagine Real Sociedad offering Champions League football on a yearly basis.
Liverpool could well explore a deal for the Spaniard next year, but it is also likely that Man United, Arsenal and Barcelona will be thinking about revisiting the situation in 2025.
Arne Slot's side decided against pursuing an alternative late in the transfer market, but an impressive start to the new campaign has seen the Merseyside outfit win all three of their Premier League matches, including a 3-0 success over Man United on Sunday, to sit second in the table.
Matt Law
