Liverpool fans were extremely angry with both the club and Martin Zubimendi after the midfielder decided not to move to Anfield.
Zubimendi emerged as Liverpool's top target during the rather quiet summer transfer window of the Merseysiders side. New coach Arne Slot has not had any personnel increases since replacing Jurgen Klopp.
Zubimendi was expected to be Slot's first signing after the Real Sociedad midfielder won EURO 2024 with Spain. Liverpool have even been informed that the 25-year-old will definitely leave Real Sociedad in the summer transfer window.
However, those hopes were extinguished on Monday night (local time) when Zubimendi informed Liverpool that he would stay in San Sebastian. It can be understood that that has angered Liverpool fans.
There was also criticism towards Liverpool's new sporting director Richard Hughes. Zubimendi was Richard Hughes' first big move since arriving at Anfield and was a complete failure.
Zubimendi's decision came after a series of convincing efforts from Real Sociedad. Along with the proposal for a new contract, the La Liga team also announced that the midfielder will have to pay the £51 million release fee himself to be able to leave.
Real Sociedad refused to negotiate with Liverpool and that pressure is believed to have convinced Zubimendi to stay at his childhood club. Real Sociedad must try their best to avoid a summer of heavy personnel losses, after selling defender Robin Le Normand to Atletico Madrid and Mikel Merino is also getting closer to joining Arsenal.
Liverpool have no intention of looking for other midfield targets. Instead, Slot has made it clear that he is satisfied with the club's current midfield options. This has increased the anger of The Kop fans.
"I think for a club like us, we always look for ways to strengthen the squad. But it is not easy to strengthen the squad if you watch both matches today. I have said many times before that I have inherited a really strong team.
If we can and if we think we can, we will strengthen the squad. But only when we think it is possible and if it is possible. I have a pretty good idea of which player is most suitable for that position, in my opinion, at this time. But as I said, we only negotiated with a few players in a week," Slot said last weekend.
