Liverpool hasn't , despite hitting a snag previously when one of its rivals threw a spanner in the works.

This past summer, the were tantalizingly close to bringing the midfielder to the , prepared to trigger his release clause at Sociedad. Yet, things turned pear-shaped as Zubimendi opted against the switch to stay with his current club.

Nevertheless, Liverpool's interest remains undimmed in the 25-year-old. Fitting seamlessly into coach , Zubimendi is still seen as an uncanny match for Liverpool's midfield machinery.

No other player ticked all the boxes quite like him, prompting the Reds to abstain from opting for second choices. Reports from indicate that Liverpool still holds the player in high regard and believe its cordial rapport with the player hasn't soured; rather, the Reds sense Sociedad played a bigger part in the transfer collapse than Zubimendi himself.

Yet paradoxically, amid this backdrop of sustained admiration, Zubimendi has expressed zero remorse over snubbing Liverpool, as reported by Noticias De Gipuzkoa. He said: "I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. Because of the press there is a lot of noise but in the end everything is easier than all that.

"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."

Meanwhile, Slot insisted that Liverpool had moved on from Zubimendi. He said: "There is no point talking about Zubimendi anymore because he stayed with Real Sociedad and we've moved on and we are really happy with Ryan.

"You see a Ryan who is full of confidence and that comes normally with good performances and trusting your team-mates and knowing that you can do what you have to at that level."

While Liverpool remains an admirer of Zubimendi, it could face competition from Premier League rival Arsenal. The Gunners are also interested in the midfielder and reports in Spain recently claimed that he was on the verge of accepting an offer from the Emirates Stadium ahead of next season.