Martín Zubimendi has turned down a move to Liverpool, choosing to remain with Real Sociedad. The midfielder emphasized that his decision was made without any external pressure, highlighting his commitment to his current club.
- Zubimendi has rejected Liverpool’s offer.
- He faced no pressure from friends or family in making his decision.
- He remains dedicated to Real Sociedad, with a contract until 2027.
Zubimendi’s Decision to Stay
In a recent interview with Marca, Real Sociedad’s star midfielder Martín Zubimendi opened up about his decision to reject a move to Liverpool. According to Zubimendi, his close circle of friends and family placed no pressure on him regarding his career choices. “I didn’t have any pressure from my close circle. My friends are clear that whatever I decide, it will be the best. There is no pressure at all,” he told Marca.
🔵⚪️ Martin Zubimendi on decision to reject Liverpool move: “I didn’t have any pressure from my close circle”.
“My friends are clear that whatever I decide, it will be the best. There is no pressure at all”, told Marca. https://t.co/3YSkkNgwMV
pic.twitter.com— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)
October 09, 2023
Zubimendi’s loyalty to Real Sociedad has been evident throughout his career. Since joining the club’s youth setup in 2011, he has steadily progressed through the ranks, eventually becoming a key player for the first team. His latest contract extension keeps him at the club until 2027, reflecting his long-term commitment.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Martín Zubimendi Ibáñez, born on February 2, 1999, in San Sebastián, Spain, has established himself as a pivotal figure in Real Sociedad’s midfield. Standing at 1.81 meters (5 feet 11 inches), Zubimendi is praised for his composure, ball control, and ability to dictate play from deep positions.
Club Career
- Youth Career: Joined Real Sociedad’s youth setup in 2011 at age 12.
- Senior Debut: Debuted for Real Sociedad C on August 27, 2016.
- First Team Debut: La Liga debut on April 28, 2019, against Getafe CF.
- Contract Extensions: Latest renewal keeps him at the club until 2027.
- Notable Performances: Scored his first European goal against RB Leipzig (February 24, 2022) and his first La Liga goal against Deportivo Alavés (March 13, 2022).
International Career
Zubimendi has represented Spain at various youth levels, including U17, U19, U21, and U23. He made his senior debut on June 8, 2021, in a friendly against Lithuania and was part of the Spain squad that won the UEFA Euro 2024.
Style of Play and Statistics
Often compared to Sergio Busquets, Zubimendi’s style is characterized by his ability to control the tempo of the game, initiate plays from deep positions, and maintain possession in tight spaces. His technical prowess and game intelligence make him an indispensable asset in midfield.
Career Statistics
- Club Appearances and Goals:
- Real Sociedad C: 26 appearances, 1 goal
- Real Sociedad B: 50 appearances, 4 goals
- Real Sociedad: 146 appearances, 8 goals (as of August 25, 2024)
- International Appearances:
- Spain: 10 caps, 0 goals (as of July 14, 2024)
Honours
- Club:
- Copa del Rey: 2019–20
- International:
- UEFA European Championship: 2024
- UEFA Nations League: 2022–23
- Olympic Silver Medal: 2020 Tokyo
Relevant Updates from La Liga
While Zubimendi’s decision to stay put has been making headlines, Real Sociedad is also making moves to strengthen their squad. The club is close to signing veteran defender Mats Hummels, a significant addition that could bolster their defense. Meanwhile, Barcelona is grappling with key player absences and transfer activities, impacting their squad depth and performance.
Real Betis is also in the news, eyeing a return for Gio Lo Celso as Nabil Fekir nears a move to Al Jazira. The potential acquisition of Lo Celso could fill the void left by Fekir and add creativity to Betis’ midfield.
For more details on these stories, visit:
- Real Sociedad Close to Signing Mats Hummels
- Barcelona Faces Key Player Absences Amid Transfer Activities
- Real Betis Eyeing Gio Lo Celso as Nabil Fekir Nears Exit
This comprehensive coverage provides a deeper understanding of the current football landscape, highlighting Zubimendi’s career and recent decisions, as well as other significant movements in La Liga.