Zubimendi Becomes the Latest in a Long Line to Reject Move To Liverpool | OneFootball

For weeks, Liverpool fans have been salivating at the impending arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi. The Reds had been on the hunt for the 25-year-old midfielder’s signature all summer long, especially following his stellar displays with Spain throughout their successful Euro 2024 campaign. It seemed as though the Merseysiders were willing to stump up over £50 million to seal the deal but, unfortunately for them, Zubimendi had other ideas.

On Tuesday morning, it was revealed that Zubimendi rejected Liverpool’s approach, instead wishing to remain with his beloved boyhood club. He is now expected to sign a new deal to remain in San Sebastian, attempting to lead Real Sociedad back toward the upper echelons. For Liverpool, it’s an all too familiar story that has played out in recent times.

Managerial Merry-Go-Round

Following the shock departure of Jurgen Klopp last season, the Reds embarked upon the daunting task of finding a manager to replace the outgoing German maverick. Despite the former Borussia Dortmund man exiting Anfield, Oddschecker is still tipping Liverpool as contenders for the Premier League, pricing them as third favourites at 7/1. You can read more tips here and find plenty of Premier League and EFL previews on site now, including information on Liverpool’s upcoming league clashes.

It seemed as though the Reds had a tailor-made replacement following Klopp’s departure, with former midfielder Xabi Alonso fitting the bill. The iconic Spaniard has already had a stellar start to life in management, leading Bayer Leverkusen away from the Bundesliga drop zone in his first six months in charge before completing the club’s incredible transformation. Last term, Die Werkself – with Alonso at the helm – became the first team in German football history to complete an unbeaten domestic season.

The Reds duly approached their former midfielder to return to the club in a managerial capacity, as did another of his former clubs Bayern Munich. Unfortunately for both however, the former Real Madrid man opted to continue the project in Leverkusen, aiming to lead them to the latter stages of the Champions League next term as well as mounting a successful defence of the Meisterschale.

Next on the list of prospects was Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim. He has revitalized the Leões, leading them to two Primeira Liga crowns in three seasons. However, he too rejected the approach of the Reds, opting to remain in Lisbon. Finally, Liverpool turned to former Feyenoord boss Arne Slot, and at the third time of asking, finally got their man.

Players Heading Anywhere But Anfield

For pretty much Jude Bellingham’s entire two-year stint with Borussia Dortmund, Liverpool were the favourites to sign the young English midfielder. The Reds coveted him endlessly and fans were treating the former Birmingham City youngster as if he had already signed for the club. However, as we all remember, he instead opted for the bright lights of Real Madrid, winning a La Liga and Champions League double in his first campaign with the club.

And he wasn’t the only one. The Reds coveted the defensive midfield duo of both Moises Caicedo and Roméo Lavia. Not one, but both of the South Coast stars opted to make the move to Stamford Bridge instead. Argentinian World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez also rejected Liverpool, instead opting for a move to Chelsea.

If we go even further back than that, who can forget the Gareth Barry saga of the late 2000s? Rafa Benitez hunted for the signature of the Aston Villa captain for over a year, even selling Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid to make way for the Englishman. Of course, he choose a newly minted Manchester City.

Martin Zubimendi is the latest in a long line to follow in those footsteps. Now, it remains to be seen which direction the Reds will take to bolster their midfield.