'Martin Zubimendi will be kicking himself over Liverpool – now he's fighting relegation'

Former Liverpool and England defender Glen Johnson would not be surprised if Martin Zubimendi is regretting his decision to reject a summer transfer to Anfield

Martin Zubimendi will be kicking himself for rejecting Liverpool, according to former Reds defender Glen Johnson.

The Euro 2024-winning midfielder appeared to be on his way to Anfield in August, with Liverpool prepared to meet his release clause of just over £50million. However, a last-minute change of heart saw Zubimendi remain with Real Sociedad, who have made a torrid start to the season.

The Basque club have won just one of their opening seven La Liga games, leaving them 16th in the table. Instead of playing in the Champions League and fighting for the Premier League title, the 25-year-old is now facing a relegation battle.

There are now suggestions that Zubimendi is regretting turning down Arne Slot and is privately hoping Liverpool revive their interest in January, having not managed to add another central midfielder to their ranks prior to the transfer deadline.

While respecting Zubimendi’s loyalty to Sociedad, Johnson remains surprised by his decision to turn down the six-time European champion. The former England defender told BetFred: “You can respect his decision to remain loyal to his club because it’s hard to turn Liverpool down when they come knocking.

“Everybody would like the play for them, so I’m surprised he turned the move down in the first place.

“If he’s reportedly regretting the decision now, then I can totally understand that, especially when you consider that Real Sociedad are struggling this season in La Liga. He’ll be kicking himself knowing that he could have been challenging for the Premier League title, but instead he finds himself fighting relegation in La Liga.”

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Despite the interest in Zubimendi, there have been no talks regarding a new contract, with Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay insisting to local title Noticias de Gipuzkoa recently: “There has not been now and there has not been before. He did not put any conditions on us [about a new contract].

“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 a time to stay at Real Sociedad. He has not put a renewal as a condition nor have we talked about it. The conversation with Martín was short and quick.”

Slot has said Liverpool have “moved on” from the Zubimendi saga but his desire to strengthen his midfield with a world-class performer means a fresh approach for the Spain star cannot be ruled out.

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