Martin Zubimendi has given perhaps the clearest hint yet that he intends to leave Real Sociedad in the near future, leaving the door open to Liverpool.

Liverpool made the Spanish midfielder its principal target during the summer transfer window earlier this year, earmarking him for a role at the base of Arne Slot's midfield, but he ultimately rejected a transfer in favor of staying at Sociedad.

The Reds have not ended up ruing missing out on Zubimendi, with Ryan Gravenberch having started the campaign in brilliant form, but they do remain admirers of the European Championship-winning midfielder and could revive their interest in him in the future.

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El Diario Vasco published fresh quotes from Zubimendi, where he said he "does not believe in once-in-a-lifetime opportunities", suggesting he feels as though he could get another crack at a move to Anfield.

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“I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise. It wasn’t something I had planned,” Zubimendi recalled of finding out about Liverpool's interest in the summer. “I reacted when the situation arose. It was an uncomfortable time for me, but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay.

“I don’t believe in 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunities. If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush.

“I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club’s project. I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take. It wasn’t that hard of a decision. There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me. And that was staying.”

One of the obstacles to Liverpool signing Zubimendi in January might have been removed after it was reported by numerous journalists who cover Manchester City that City does not intend to try and sign Zubimendi in January.