Arne Slot REACTS to Martin Zubimendi rejecting Liverpool transfer and reveals Richard Hughes' plan

Arne Slot has addressed Martin Zubimendi's decision to reject a transfer to Liverpool.

The Reds, who are the only Premier League squad yet to make a signing this summer, suffered a setback in their attempt to bolster their midfield options when the Spain international decided to stay at Real Sociedad, just days after reportedly giving his word to sporting director Richard Hughes that he would move to Anfield.

It remains to be seen if Liverpool move for an alternative with two weeks until transfer deadline day, but they have been linked with Atalanta's Teun Koopmeiners who has previously worked under Slot.

Having said that, the Dutchman has revealed that the club identified Zubimendi as a player that could strenghthen the squad and whilst admitting it's unfortunate a deal did not materialise, he has stressed that the Hughes did everything he could to seal a transfer.

READ MORE: Player reveals what Arne Slot told him to expect at Liverpool

Slot on Zubimendi rejection

"I've said many times already that I think our squad is really strong and it's not so easy to find players that can help us or can even strengthen the squad," Slot said in his pre-Ipswich press conference.

"Zubimendi was one of them to be fair but he decided not to come and we go on with the ones we have and those ones have done well in pre-season.

"We're in a good place and like I said many times before, in the background Richard [Hughes], is trying to strengthen the squad as he can but unfortunately Zubimendi decided not to come.

"He tried everything to bring him in but if a player doesn't want to come, it's obvious that he's not coming."

Despite a sudden change of heart, recent reports claim Zubimendi is now causing problems for the La Liga outfit amid talks with regard to a contract renewal. Although it would appear that chances of a Liverpool u-turn are slim.

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