Liverpool’s lengthy pursuit of Martin Zubimendi has officially ended.
The Real Sociedad midfielder was identified as the preferred target by the Anfield hierarchy to fill the number six role at the start of Arne Slot’s reign.
An agreement to meet Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause had been agreed in principle while the Reds awaited for a go-ahead from the player.
But the Spain international has now decided to stay with his boyhood club, informing Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes on Monday evening.
It marks a huge blow to the club’s recruitment plans, with Slot heading into Saturday’s Premier League opener at Ipswich devoid of any new signings.
The Dutchman has trialled several options a two-man midfield during pre-season including Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Fabio Carvalho, meanwhile, has completed his permanent move to Brentford.
The Portuguese forward moves to west London for an initial £22.5M after Thomas Frank’s side saw off competition from several Premier League clubs.
Newcomers Southampton and Leicester City both emerged as potential suitors but only the Bees met Liverpool’s valuation of the 21-year-old.