Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi says he does not 'regret' snubbing Liverpool - 'It was the best thing to do'

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has said he does not "regret" rejecting a summer transfer to Liverpool, with the 25-year-old opting to stay at the La Liga club where he has spent his entire career. Sociedad have endured a difficult start to the 2024/25 campaign, winning just two of their opening nine matches in all competitions - while Liverpool sit top of the Premier League.

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Martin Zubimendi has said staying at Real Sociedad was "the best thing to do", adding he does not "regret" turning down a summer transfer to Premier League leaders Liverpool.

The 25-year-old midfielder impressed when coming on in place of the injured Rodri during the final of Spain's triumphant Euro 2024 campaign, having also been a key player for La Real in recent years.

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot was keen to make Zubimendi his first addition to the squad in the summer, but after a lengthy pursuit, the midfielder opted to stay put at the club where he has spent his entire career.

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The La Liga side have had a tough start to the 2024/25 season, winning just two of their opening nine matches in all competitions, but that has not altered Zubimendi's view on his decision to stay in Spain.

"Of course I don't regret it," he said. "I can't think that way after four or five games at the start of the season.

"I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don't affect me. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train. I'm excited about having a good season.

"In the end, like in every transfer window, things always come up. This summer it was my turn. These are things that happen, and you have to deal with them in the best way possible.

"It is true that I was a bit uncomfortable with everything, especially the noise, but in the end I isolated myself and made the decision that I thought was the right one."

Zubimendi further spoke about feeling "uncomfortable" with the noise around a potential Premier League move, and took a philosophical view on his decision-making regarding his future.

"You can all rest easy in winter," he said. "My philosophy is to do at every moment what comes from within. So far, things have gone well for me.

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"It is true that there was a lot of noise [in the transfer window]. I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace."

Liverpool's failed move for the midfielder compounded a summer of little transfer activity in Slot's first window.

Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and former Juventus winger Federico Chiesa were Slot's only additions in the summer window, but Liverpool have still enjoyed a strong start to the 2024/25 campaign - sitting atop the nascent Premier League table having picked up 15 points from six matches so far.

Slot also guided his side to a commanding 3-1 win over AC Milan at the San Siro in their UEFA Champions League opener, with a home clash against Bologna next up in the European competition, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Wednesday.

Stream the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

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