Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi has been criticised by former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher for rejecting a move to Anfield.
La Real stayed strong in their objective to keep their midfield fulcrum as the Premier League giants launched an ambitious move to bring him to Merseyside.
As the transfer saga developed, with Zubimendi rumoured to be considering a move away from the Basque Country for the first time in his career, amid a tempting offer from Liverpool.
However, despite Liverpool’s willingness to pay his €60m release clause in San Sebastian, the final call was left Zubimendi, and he opted to stay.
Carragher opened up on his frustration over the situation as part of Sky Sports’ The Overlap podcast where he questioned why Zubimendi would remain with La Real.
🗣️Jamie Carragher on Martin Zubimendi (@WeAreTheOverlap)
"He's 25 years old, just won the Euros and plays for Real Sociedad. I know it's his hometown club but I think it's time to get into the Premier League. It's disappointing he won't come to the best league in the world." pic.twitter.com/N1uGJSRnFB
— Football España (@footballespana_) August 23, 2024
“To be honest, he’s 25 years old, just won the European Championship and plays for Real Sociedad, I know it’s his hometown club but I think it’s time to get into the Premier League”, he told fans at the live event.
“It’s disappointing he won’t come to the Premier League, the best league in the world, and play in the Champions League with a historic club. Real Sociedad can’t be your last step.”
Carragher’s comments will not go down well with the La Real faithful, who have hailed Zubimendi’s loyalty to his boyhood club, in favour of moving abroad.
Real Sociedad are confident they can hold off any potential late offers in the summer window but the January market could reopen speculation.
