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Martin Zubimendi Liverpool transfer decision clarified amid contract 'conditions' claim

Martin Zubimendi  representing Spain in the UEFA Nations League this week.
-Credit: (Image: Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)


Real Sociedad's president Jokin Aperribay has set the record straight regarding Martin Zubimendi's summer transfer saga, insisting that the midfielder's decision to stay wasn't influenced by a lucrative new contract offer. Despite Liverpool's interest and Zubimendi's $66m (£51m/€60m) release clause, he chose to remain at Sociedad.

Responding to reports in Spain suggesting Sociedad sweetened the deal to keep him, Aperribay clarified during the presentation of Nayef Aguerd and Orri Oskarsson as new signings that no such discussions took place. He emphasized Zubimendi's understanding of the club's situation and his lack of demands for an improved contract.

"There has been no conversation with Zubimendi to renew the contract," Aperribay stated. "There hasn't been one now and there hasn't been one before. He didn't put any conditions on us.

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"He understood the moment and knew that it was a market in which some players were already going to leave, and he understood that it was time to stay at Real Sociedad. He has not made it a condition for us to renew nor have we talked about it. The conversation with Martin was short and quick."

Speaking earlier this month, Zubimendi highlighted his commitment to the Spanish club when discussing a possible transfer to Liverpool. "Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I have spent half my life there," he explained. "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 recognized and to be seen with personality."

Liverpool.com says: Ultimately, Zubimendi didn't want to make the move to Liverpool. If he wasn't sold on it, then that is probably for the best. Arne Slot only needs players who are 100 per cent ready and willing to do everything they can for the cause and if he had doubts, even if he might regret the decision to some extent in the future, staying where he is was wise.