Liverpool dealt blow as Zubimendi opts to stay at Real Sociedad

England's Luke Shaw, Spain's Martin Zubimendi, and England's Declan Rice battle for the ball during the Euro 2024 final. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.

Liverpool's hopes of signing primary transfer target Martin Zubimendi have been dashed after the player opted to remain at Real Sociedad.

The 25-year-old Euro 2024 winner with Spain had been identified as the priority to fill the defensive midfield role in what would have been the first major signing of the summer for new head coach Arne Slot.