Martin Zubimendi insists he has no regrets after turning down the chance to join Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
The Real Sociedad midfielder, 25, has been courted by a host of top Premier League clubs over the past 12 months, but it was Liverpool who were seemingly primed to finally prise him away from Spain.
It was believed that Merino had already agreed to join the Reds when news of their bid surfaced during the summer. However, the player eventually decided to stay put, forcing Liverpool to change their plans.
Zubimendi was quizzed about his decision ahead of Real Sociedad's meeting with Anderlecht in the second matchday of the new Europa League campaign - and he stressed that he feels at home where he is.
He told reporters: “My philosophy is to do what I feel at all times. 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.”
He then doubled down on his stance, adding: “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. I see potential in this team, you just have to watch us train and I'm excited about having a good season.”
Liverpool decided against trying to sign another No.6 after Zubimendi's change of heart. That decision has been vindicated by Ryan Gravenberch's tremendous start to the new campaign in a new deep-lying role.
While the Dutchman's renaissance in Arne Slot's revamped Liverpool team could indicate their pursuit of Zubimendi is dead, the midfielder does still have suitors within the Premier League.
Manchester City are the latest English team to be credited with an interest in the Euro 2024 winner. The champions recently discovered their midfield talisman, Rodri, will miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury.
Responding to those links, Zubimendi added: “In the end, like every market, things always come up. 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.”
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