Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that it would take a “massive” U-turn from the player for any deal to happen in January or next summer.
Liverpool pushed hard to complete his signing during the summer window, and were confident of completing a deal before Zubimendi decided to remain in Spain.
Arsenal had also been put off of a move earlier in the transfer window as they expected him to remain at Real Sociedad, with his mind unlikely to be changed.
A new defensive midfielder had been the priority target for the Reds in the summer window, with the 25-year-old at the top of their list.
However, the recruitment team at Anfield have already switched their attention towards alternative options for the January window.
Liverpool not expected to return to Martin Zubimendi deal with Real Sociedad
Zubimendi has been at Real Sociedad for his entire career, having come through the academy ranks, and had previously expressed a reluctance to leave.
The midfielder has made 188 appearances for his boyhood club, establishing himself as one of the most important players in their side.
Having also lost Mikel Merino to Arsenal in the summer, Sociedad were reluctant to see both of their key midfield stars leave the club.
However, Liverpool pushed for the deal and were left disappointed when he opted to remain in San Sebastian despite receiving encouraging signs over the move to Anfield.
The late signings of Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa saw the Reds dive into the window late on, but they were left frustrated in their midfielder search.
Liverpool
Should the position remain a priority for Slot in the January window, they will push to find a deal that works both for the boss and the club.
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