Liverpool’s transfer window has certainly been frustrating following Martin Zubimendi turning down the Reds but the club cannot complain over his loyalty.
HITC reported that Liverpool were encouraged over a deal for Martin Zubimendi with the Real Sociedad midfielder said to be open to the possibility of moving to the Premier League.
Arne Slot was understood to be excited over the Zubimendi deal with the Spaniard having a relatively affordable £51 million release clause in his contract at San Sebastian.
However, Zubimendi decided to snub Liverpool and could now even sign a new contract at the La Liga side this summer. Despite the frustration that could be emanating from Anfield this summer, fans of Liverpool can hardly blame Zubimendi for his loyalty.
Liverpool fans have no right to complain over Zubimendi loyalty
The Spaniard came on at half-time against England during the 2-1 victory in the Euro 2024 final and Zubimendi slotted seamlessly into the La Roja team despite the irreplaceable Rodri being taken off.
Zubimendi remaining at Sociedad is a big blow to Liverpool as the Spaniard could have taken their midfield up a level but fans of the Reds cannot complain over his loyalty.
Back in 2005, during the height of Chelsea’s Premier League dominance under Jose Mourinho, the Blues wanted Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
The story goes that Gerrard handed in a transfer request and wanted to move to Stamford Bridge with Mourinho’s Chelsea an irresistible force.
However, Gerrard saw the backlash from fans of Liverpool and decided to perform a u-turn and sign a new long-term deal at Anfield out of ‘loyalty’.
Speaking to Jamie Carragher’s The Greatest Game podcast back in 2020, Gerrard was asked whether he regretted his decision.
“I don’t have any regrets about not going to Chelsea. None,” he said. “No regrets over it at all. I can take my lad to the games now. I can be at Liverpool. I was invited back to the academy to coach. That’s the relationship I want with Liverpool.”
Zubimendi follows Steven Gerrard’s lead
The temptation of Liverpool or Arsenal earlier in the window, with the Gunners making Zubimendi their top midfield target, would have been immense.
However, Zubimendi has gone against the grain and will seemingly sign a new deal at San Sebastian this summer.
Jamie Carragher believes that Zubimendi may prefer Real Madrid or Barcelona and the new contract is a way of delaying the move for 12 months.
Nevertheless, this summer, Zubimendi is staying put and it would be unreasonable for Liverpool fans to have any issue with the Spaniard’s loyalty.
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