The Merseyside giants were prepared to pay his €60 million release clause in the last transfer window , but a move did not materialise.

Sociedad gave permission to the Spaniard to speak with the Reds, but the Euro 2024 winner decided to stay put with his boyhood club.

Zubimendi has now revealed that he was focused on his personal progression and made the selfish decision to continue at Sociedad.

He said: "I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club's project.

"I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take. It wasn't that hard of a decision.

"There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me. And that was staying."

Zubimendi has been linked with a Premier League move for several years. Arsenal have also failed to sign him from Sociedad in the past.

The 25-year-old decided to stay with the La Liga outfit last summer, but he could be tempted to pursue a new challenge at the end of the season.

Liverpool will no doubt return for his services. They could face competition from Arsenal as manager Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of him.

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