Liverpool and its fans have been left reeling after Martin Zubimendi’s decision to reject a move to Anfield this summer.

Despite the Reds pursuing the 25-year-old as their main target, and suggestions that Real Sociedad was expecting him to reach an agreement with Liverpool, Zubimendi has now decided to stay put with the Basque club.

Zubimendi could be forced into an awkward position

His decision comes after Sociedad launched a charm offensive to try and convince him to stay. Despite Liverpool’s best efforts, including a reported phone call from Arne Slot, it was La Real that won the battle.

LIVERPOOL have told Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi to trigger his own release clause, according to reports.

That comes after the two clubs hit a stumbling block over a fee.

All players are required to have a release clause in their contract in accordance with Spanish law.

But activating a Spanish clause can be far from simple, and does not work in the same way that clauses do in other European leagues.

In the case of Zubimendi, his £51million clause can only be activated by himself, meaning he would have to deposit Liverpool’s funds to LaLiga’s offices in Madrid.

Such a move is a rare occurrence as it can damage the relationship between the player and the club they are departing from.

As a youth product of Sociedad, Zubimendi would be reluctant to hurt his relationship with both the club and their fans.

The decision leaves Liverpool having to return to the drawing board, with it now looking increasingly likely the Reds will go without any new signings this summer. According to the Daily Mail, new sporting director Richard Hughes has been left ‘angry’ after Zubimendi gave him assurances that he would be making the move to Anfield.

In a move that Liverpool fans will no doubt be familiar with though after Steven Gerrard underwent a similar saga with Chelsea, Zubimendi’s love for his boyhood club looks to have made his mind up. According to Fabrizio Romano, he’s even now open to signing a new deal with Sociedad, with La Real’s proposal said to be ‘way lower’ than Liverpool’s contract offer.

As per The Times, Zubimendi backtracked on his decision to join Liverpool after being put under pressure by Sociedad to stay put. The Basque club made it clear that the player would have to trigger his buyout clause himself, although Liverpool was reportedly willing to meet their demands.

It isn’t the first time Zubimendi has turned down a big-money move either. The Spain international has previously rejected moves to Arsenal, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich – with Liverpool now added to the list.

Having missed out on another target this summer after Anthony Gordon and Leny Yoro, it’s now unlikely Liverpool will turn its attention to other No.6 targets. Slot will therefore begin the new season on Saturday with the same options he started the summer with.