Martin Zubimendi reflects on summer decision to reject Liverpool transfer

Martin Zubimendi has revealed he has "no regrets" about turning down a transfer to Liverpool during the summer window, as well as reassuring Real Sociedad fans he has no plans to jump ship in January amid emerging Manchester City links.

Zubimendi was heavily linked with Arsenal last January, with the Gunners seeking to strengthen in midfield to underpin their Premier League title bid and future ambitions. In the end, it was club and international teammate Mikel Merino who arrived in north London a few months later.

Liverpool thought they were onto a winner with Zubimendi in August, having received initial indication from the player's camp that he was interested. But within a week, his love for Real Sociedad and home city San Sebastian dictated that he would stay put.

Just under two months later and nine games into the new season, he is happy with that choice.

"My philosophy is to do what I feel at all times," the 25-year-old said, addressing the media ahead of this week's Europa League fixture against Anderlecht.

"So far, things have gone well for me. It is true that there was a lot of noise. I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. There is a lot of noise because of the press but in the end, everything is easier than all that.

"Of course I don't regret it, I can't think that after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don't affect me," he added, referencing his club's poor start to the new campaign in La Liga.

"I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train. I'm excited about having a good season."

Given that Zubimendi, whose €60m (£50.5m) release clause makes him seem like low-hanging fruit, has elite player potential and isn't playing for a traditional giant, rumours will continue in future windows. Arsenal moved on, but Liverpool are still looking for something more than Wataru Endo, while Barcelona and Real Madrid have been linked on and off. Manchester City have been tipped to launch a winter pursuit given that Rodri is unlikely to play again this season.

"In the end, like every market, things always come up," Zubimendi reflected.

"This summer it was my turn. These are things that happen that you have to deal with in the best way possible. It is true that I was a bit uncomfortable with everything, especially because of the noise, and in the end, I isolated myself and made the decision that I thought was the right one.

"You can rest easy in winter," strongly implying he still won't be on the move any time soon.

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