Liverpool’s summer transfer is about to take a new shape after the most recent revelation.
The Reds remain the only Premier League side yet to sign a player.
Reports from Spain claim that primary Liverpool target Martin Zumbendi has rejected the Red’s offer and intends to stay at Real Sociedad beyond this summer. Numerous UK outlets have also confirmed the news.
Zubimendi was linked with a move relatively late in the transfer window. Arne Slot and the club were still weighing their squad and options, the 25-year-old became a serious Liverpool target after it emerged the Reds needed a specialist defensive midfielder.
Slot’s men were ready to pay his release clause, and also offered him a good contract that trumped anything Real Sociedad would offer him.
However, in a cruel twist of events, the Spanish Euro 2024 has reportedly rejected Liverpool’s advances, choosing to remain at Reale Arena beyond this summer.
Update on Liverpool’s number 6 search
With Zubimendi’s name seemingly off the table for Liverpool this summer, the club may likely not sign another number six.
This is according to the Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele, who is claiming that Zubimendi’s rejection mean that Liverpool are unlikely to go in for another No 6 this summer.
According to Steele, Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes believed the Spanish midfielder had given his word, so the club had no alternative name on their list.
This is not the first time Liverpool are struggling to land their desired defensive midfield target.
Last summer, they missed out on the signing of both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, with both joining Chelsea.
However, in their absence, Liverpool signed Japan international Wataru Endo for £16m from Stuttgart.
The 31-year-old went on to have a productive spell at Anfield in his first season, making 41 appearances in his first season.
Liverpool have already rejected an offer for him this summer, so missing out on Zubimendi and not signing another number 6 may indicate that they want Endo to keep his place as the club’s main defensive midfielder.
Another player whose future can be affected by the deal collapsing is Stefan Bajcetic, who Liverpool told could leave on loan, as we exclusively revealed.
As per Spanish reports, told that Martin Zubimendi has rejected Liverpool. Unlikely that the Reds go in for another No 6 this summer. Richard Hughes believed the Spanish midfielder had given his word. Full story @MailSport #LFC ?
— Lewis Steele (@LewisSteele_) August 12, 2024
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