Manchester United rivals Liverpool have been rejected by Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Arne Slot’s new look Liverpool showed they remain dangerous in the post-Klopp era when they put together an accomplished display against Manchester United in pre-season.
The game and result that really matters is the Premier League fixture between the two teams when United host Liverpool on September 1, the third game of the season.
And there was a chance Liverpool were set to sign Spain star Martin Zubimendi, and strengthen further for that game. Now the deal has fallen through.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Martin Zubimendi rejects Liverpool
Liverpool have failed to sign a single player this summer, and hoped to counter-act this with a stunning swoop for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
A few days ago The Times had reported Liverpool were ‘confident’ of securing a deal for Zubimendi.
Now the Real Sociedad midfielder has decided to turn down a move to Anfield, favouring a stay at the Spanish club.
Fabrizio Romano reports Zubimendi is now even expected to sign a new contract at Real Sociedad.
Manchester United fan reaction
Manchester United fans had named Martin Zubimendi as the ideal transfer target amid the team stepping back from Manuel Ugarte to reconsider other options.
But Zubimendi’s release clause would have cost the same, and United were intelligent enough not to waste time pursuing a player who preferred to stay put.
United supporters have had a little fun at Liverpool falling flat in the transfer market, and are relieved one of Spain’s best midfielders will not be playing for our rivals.
One fan wrote: “Zubimendi rejecting Liverpool to stay at Sociedad is so funny when you remember United signed players from Bayern In the same window.”
Another joked: “Zubimendi really said Manchester United or Nothing.”
A third fan astutely noted: “Martin Zubimendi rejects Champions League side Liverpool! – Leny Yoro – Joshua Zirkzee – De Ligt – Noussair Mazraoui all reject Champions League sides for Man United”.
And another fan asked: “Can United go in for Zubimendi now for a laugh?”
“Would be hilarious if United threw £51m at Zubimendi and signed him,” another supporter posted on X.
Liverpool’s inability to lure players was also picked up on by another fan, who added: “Champions League Liverpool couldn’t even get a sniff at Yoro and lost to Manchester United who are in the Europa League, and now have been rejected once again by Zubimendi who’s team is in the Europa League, very embarrassing from Liverpool who are in the Champions League.”
And another noted that Liverpool’s transfer failure completed a satisfying day for United.
Manchester United transfer pull unmatched
There is not a team in England who can compete with Manchester United when it comes to the lure of signing for the club.
Leny Yoro was claimed to be Liverpool’s ‘prime target’ before he signed for United, who also beat Real Madrid to his signature.
And as some fans have pointed out, United have been able to get deals done for Bayern Munich duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.
There is every chance that if United went as hard at Zubimendi as Liverpool did, then Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co would have been able to win the Spaniard over.
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