Title: Liverpool Suffers Setback as Martin Zubimendi Rejects Move: What It Means for the Club’s Transfer Plans
Liverpool’s hopes of signing midfielder Martin Zubimendi have been dashed as the player has chosen to remain at his boyhood club, Real Sociedad, instead of completing a £51 million move to Anfield. The news comes as a blow to Liverpool’s summer transfer window, which has seen them fail to make a single signing so far.
Zubimendi’s change of heart reportedly left Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, angry, as he believed the player had given his word to join the club. The Spanish reporter Jorge Picon reveals that Zubimendi had initially given Liverpool the green light for the move two weeks ago. This unexpected turn of events mirrors Steven Gerrard’s famous u-turn on a move to Chelsea in 2005, highlighting Zubimendi’s unwavering love for his hometown and boyhood club, Real Sociedad.
The rejection from Zubimendi not only leaves Liverpool without a much-needed reinforcement in midfield but also raises doubts about their pursuit of a No.6 player this summer. According to Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail, it is unlikely that Liverpool will seek an alternative for Zubimendi in the market. This setback follows failed attempts to secure the signings of Jude Bellingham, Moises Caicedo, and Romeo Lavia last year.
Liverpool had previously been linked with Atalanta’s Ederson and Porto’s Alan Varela, but if Steele’s information is accurate, the club will not be pursuing either player. This development poses a significant challenge for Liverpool and their newly formed hierarchy, with Hughes recently appointed and Michael Edwards returning to FSG this summer.
In light of Zubimendi’s rejection, Liverpool manager Arne Slot may turn to Ryan Gravenberch as his No.6 in the upcoming season. The 22-year-old Dutchman has been deployed in that role in the team’s recent friendly matches and now has a golden opportunity to establish himself if the club does not seek an alternative.
Despite this setback, Slot remains optimistic about strengthening Liverpool’s squad. He acknowledges the challenge of finding suitable reinforcements, given the team’s impressive performances in their recent matches. However, the club is reported to have interest in signing a defender and a wide forward.
In a further blow to Liverpool’s transfer plans, it was revealed that their approach for Frankfurt defender Willian Pacho came too late, as he had already agreed to a transfer to PSG. As of now, Liverpool’s only significant transfer activity this summer has been the sale of Fabio Carvalho to Brentford.
With the Zubimendi deal falling through and limited time remaining in the transfer window, Liverpool’s new-look hierarchy faces a race against time to strengthen the squad. The rejection highlights the challenges of attracting top players and the need for alternative strategies in the transfer market. Liverpool will have to regroup and reassess their options to ensure they have a competitive squad for the upcoming season.