Liverpool Transfer News: Martin Zubimendi set to make HUGE decision after snubbing Reds

Liverpool’s major summer transfer target is now on the brink of signing a contract after a highly publicised chase from the Reds. Martin Zubimendi is staying put.

Diario Vasco reports that Martin Zubimendi is very close to signing his new contract with Real Sociedad. The player hasn't actually committed his future to the Basque club but is expected to do so imminently.

This has been one of the biggest stories in football, of course. Zubimendi was the subject of intense interest from Liverpool, who had the impression that he was finally willing to leave Sociedad after years of rejecting other clubs.

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At the last moment, though, Zubimendi changed his mind and opted to stay in San Sebastian. He turned Liverpool's approach down and will instead sign that new contract.

It took a major charm offensive from La Real to get it done but they were successful in the end. Liverpool were left embarrassed by the saga - especially as they're unable to find a suitable alternative.

Instead, they'll likely sign no one.

Martin Zubimendi to sign new contract

The last we'd heard on the contract was that Sociedad were having trouble with it. Zubimendi wanted a big deal - and felt entitled to it after rejecting Liverpool.

But it appears they've found common ground. There's no word yet on how long this contract will be for, but it seems reasonable to expect it to stretch into 2030. His current deal still runs until 2027.

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In other words, Zubimendi will be tied down at Sociedad for the foreseeable future. The chances of Liverpool ever resurrecting this one seem incredibly slim and they'll instead need to find that alternative.

Maybe that alternative is another big signing. Maybe it's about developing someone internally for the role. Either way, Zubimendi was supposed to take a key role under Arne Slot and it's now one the Liverpool boss lacks.