Martin Zubimendi rejects Liverpool move and reaffirms commitment to Real Sociedad

Liverpool's pursuit of midfield target Martin Zubimendi has been dealt a blow as the player has decided to reject a move to Anfield in order to stay at Real Sociedad.

It had been expected that the Spain international, who had a £51m release clause in his contract at the Anoeta Stadium, would leave the La Liga club this summer.

However, Sociedad were desperate to keep hold of Zubimendi and having offered him a new contract with higher wages, the 25-year-old has now opted to remain with the Basque club.

Zubimendi shone in the Euro 2024 final against England when he replaced Rodri at half-time as Spain went on to win 2-1.

The midfielder has been at Sociedad since 2011 and helped the club finish sixth last season, scoring four times in 31 appearances.

It now remains to be seen if Liverpool, who remain the only Premier League club yet to make a transfer so far this summer, will move their focus on to other midfield targets.

However, new Reds head coach Arne Slot can call on the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Sobozslai and Wataru Endo to play in that position, while right-back Trent Alexander Arnold was also often utilised in that role under previous manager Jurgen Klopp last season.

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.

The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League and Scottish Premiership brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.