Martin Zubimendi breaks silence on Man City transfer 'interest' after turning down Liverpool

Martin Zubimendi has spoken out about his future at Real Sociedad amid rumors of a potential move to Manchester City. The Spanish international was on the brink of a transfer to Liverpool in the summer, following his standout performances at Euro 2024.

Liverpool was ready to activate the midfielder's $66m (£51m/€60m) release clause back in August, convinced that he would be willing to make the switch to Anfield . However, a last-minute persuasion campaign by his childhood club saw Zubimendi choose to stay with La Real instead .

Despite the drama, Liverpool has not experienced any negative fallout, with Ryan Gravenberch thriving in a deep-lying midfield position under Arne Slot . Even though Liverpool currently sits atop the Premier League table, Zubimendi insisted just last week that he has no regrets about his decision to remain with Sociedad, who have only managed two wins from their nine matches this season.

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Spanish reports, including from Revelo , had suggested that Zubimendi could attract more attention from the Premier League in January, with Manchester City said to be considering a move for the midfielder after key player Rodri sustained a season-ending ACL injury in a match against Arsenal last month.

However, when asked about City's alleged interest during a press conference on Tuesday ahead of Spain's upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Denmark and Serbia, Zubimendi reiterated his happiness to stay in San Sebastian. He hasn't changed his stance on leaving, he confirmed.

"There are always rumors but until now I've always thought that the best solution for me is staying at Real Sociedad," he expressed. "I've still a lot of things to give to this club, I still want to grow and develop here."

For Manchester City to snap up Zubimendi, it would have to pull off what Liverpool couldn't and persuade the Spanish international to part ways with the club he's been with since he was just 12. The chase might get a boost from the fact that he hasn't put pen to paper on a new contract with Sociedad, leaving his buy-out clause in play until 2027, but the player's mind doesn't appear to have changed.

Liverpool.com says: Zubimendi made his mind up in the summer and he won't have altered it since. Realistically, Manchester City won't need a Rodri replacement because Pep Guardiola can call on others until he returns. Zubimendi would only be useful for six months or so before then being a clear second choice in that position.