Report: Martin Zubimendi and Real Sociedad now disputing what Liverpool are saying happened during the summer

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Liverpool have so far managed spectacularly despite missing out on some big names over the summer.

The Reds had looked primed to target a midfielder before the start of the season, with Arne Slot keen to bring a different profile into the squad.

However, after pinpointing Martin Zubimendi as the perfect player the job, Liverpool fell flat on their faces in trying to sign him.

Liverpool pushed hard to convince Zubimendi that his future lay away from boyhood club Real Sociedad and at Anfield instead.

But despite Liverpool believing Zubimendi had given his word that he was ready to move, the 25-year-old ultimately could not tear himself away from San Sebastian.

While Liverpool continue to be linked with Zubimendi ahead of a second attempt to get him in January, the player himself is insisting that things went down differently in the summer.

Martin Zubimendi disputes Liverpool claim

Plenty of Liverpool supporters turned their back on Zubimendi once it became clear that the Spain international had rejected a move to their club.

However, it remains the case that Liverpool could do with someone like him to offer exactly what Slot wants from his midfield.

Having decided not to sign someone else after Zubimendi turned them down, it would make sense for the Reds to keep the lines of communication open with the midfielder and his club.

And according to The Athletic, Liverpool appear to have done that. They claim that the Reds’ ‘admiration’ towards Zubimendi ‘remains strong.’

READ MORE: Who’s currently leading the race to sign Martin Zubimendi between Liverpool and Man City

Having reportedly decided that no other player could offer the same skill set as the Real Sociedad man, Liverpool did not go after an alternative.

Initially believing that they had got their man after his word had been given, the ‘Anfield hierarchy’ are said to believe that Zubimendi ‘came under pressure’ from his club to reject the move.

Interestingly, it is reported that both Zubimendi and Real Sociedad ‘dispute this version of events.’

Will Liverpool return for Martin Zubimendi?

It would be fascinating to hear what Zubimendi – and indeed Real Sociedad – claim happened over the summer.

Whatever that case may be, the next two transfer windows will show how serious the Reds really are about keeping the Spaniard as a target.

Speaking to Anfield Agenda on Thursday, journalist David Lynch gave his latest information on whether fans should expect a move for Zubimendi in the winter.

“There’s no indication from Liverpool’s side that he’s changed his mind,” says Lynch. “I think Real Sociedad’s form is starting to pick up a little bit, as far as they’re aware he’s committed until the end of the season and maybe have a look after that. But he would have to come to them and say ‘now is the time for me to go’ and I don’t believe that’s happened yet.

“It could be that they end up in a battle with Real Madrid for him over the summer or maybe they’ll come up with a completely different target who they think might be a better if. I’m not massively optimistic for him for January.”