Liverpool have reportedly decided they won’t look to sign a new No 6 this summer after being left stunned by Martin Zubimendi rejecting their offer.
It’s been a quiet first transfer window in charge for Arne Slot at Anfield with a top midfielder quickly identified as the main priority.
Real Sociedad star Zubimendi quickly emerged as the top target and talks appeared to be heading in the right direction for Liverpool.
The Spain international has a £51million release clause in his contract and reports indicated that Liverpool were growing confident that a deal would be made.
Martin Zubimendi has rejected a move to Liverpool
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The final stumbling block it seems was to convince Zubimendi to leave his boyhood team and make the jump to Merseyside.
According to multiple reports, Zubimendi has rejected the offer on the table from Liverpool and wants to stay at Real Sociedad.
The Daily Mail claim that Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil ‘made a presentation’ to the midfielder that ultimately convinced him to stay.
Liverpool chief Richard Hughes is said to be ‘angry’ over the situation as he was seemingly under the impression that Zubimendi had ‘given his word’.
And it’s claimed that signing an alternative to Zubimendi is ‘unlikely’ now before the end of the summer transfer window.
Wataru Endo was Liverpool’s go-to defensive midfielder last season when fit, but Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch also filled in at times.
Liverpool also have Stefan Bajcetic as a potential option with the Spaniard being heavily involved during pre-season under Slot.
The 19-year-old burst onto the scene under Jurgen Klopp in 2022 and earned high praise for his performances.
Martin Zubimendi has decided to stay at Real Sociedad
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But his development was halted after he suffered a calf injury that kept him out for almost all of last season.
Tyler Morton is another youngster on the books at Liverpool who could also fill that No 6 role.
The 21-year-old impressed on loan at Hull last season and is being linked with a move away from the Anfield club once more.
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Arne Slot will have to make do with his current options
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But Liverpool will likely need to reconsider their outgoings this summer with the Zubimendi deal falling apart.
Fabio Carvalho is currently the only player to have been sold by Liverpool this summer with the winger joining Brentford in a deal worth £27.5m.
Liverpool get their Premier League campaign underway on Saturday when they travel to newly-promoted Ipswich Town.