Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has decided to stay at the Spanish club instead of joining Liverpool.
The 25-year-old, who helped Spain win Euro 2024, was targeted by the Reds after being told unequivocally he wanted to leave this summer.
Liverpool sought a change as they believed Zubimendi, who replaced Rodri at half-time in Spain’s sixth-placed Euro 2024 final win against England, would have strengthened the midfield options available to manager Arne Slot.
However, it is understood that Real Sociedad tried to persuade the player to change his mind and ultimately succeeded.
Liverpool are yet to make any major signings this summer and open their Premier League campaign at Ipswich on Saturday.
However, it seems unlikely at this stage that the Anfield team will attempt to sign an alternative to Zubimendi, who fit the club’s preferred profile for the number six role in Slot’s squad.
Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Dominic Szoboszlai, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Wataru Endo are other options for the position.
