Liverpool’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi this past summer was one of the more high-profile transfer sagas to unfold, but it ended in disappointment for the Reds. Not only did they miss out on the talented midfielder, but the rejection came in a rather unusual and public fashion.
Liverpool had reportedly agreed on a fee with Real Sociedad for the Spanish international, yet it was Zubimendi himself who turned down the move. For a club of Liverpool’s stature, aiming to challenge for the Premier League title and contend in the Champions League, this type of rejection is rare and certainly raised a few eyebrows.
The Unexpected Twist
Despite the setback, Liverpool weren’t ready to take no for an answer. Reports emerged that the club was planning to go back in for Zubimendi in January, with manager Arne Slot reportedly identifying him as the ideal player for his system. Liverpool’s continued interest suggested that Slot wasn’t ready to give up on his target, and the player still featured prominently on their radar.
Things took another unexpected turn when Spanish media reported that Zubimendi himself was beginning to regret his decision to reject Liverpool in the summer. Some even suggested that he was more influenced by external factors in his decision than initially thought. This news buoyed Liverpool fans, with speculation that the midfielder might now be open to making the move come January.
The Injury Setback
However, just as things seemed to be heating up in Liverpool's pursuit of Zubimendi, a new obstacle emerged. The midfielder was forced to leave Real Sociedad’s match last Sunday with a lower back injury just five minutes into the second half. While the severity of the injury is still unclear, there are growing concerns that Zubimendi could be sidelined for an extended period, potentially until the new year.
This development raises several questions. If Zubimendi were to miss several months of action, his chances of passing a medical in January would certainly be at risk. Furthermore, Liverpool would need to assess whether pursuing a player with an uncertain fitness status is in their best interest, particularly given their current position at the top of world football.
Liverpool's Midfield Depth
At present, Liverpool are in a strong position in the midfield department. Ryan Gravenberch has seamlessly adapted to a defensive midfield role, while Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, and Dominik Szoboszlai have been stellar in pushing the team forward. With this in mind, it's easy to question whether Liverpool truly need a player like Zubimendi right now.
However, it’s clear that Zubimendi is a world-class talent and would add immense quality to the squad. Arne Slot is said to be particularly keen on him, viewing the midfielder as crucial to his vision for the team. If Slot believes Zubimendi is the missing piece, the club should not hesitate to re-enter the fray.
Complications Ahead?
The injury and uncertainty surrounding Zubimendi’s fitness are significant factors that could complicate any future negotiations. Liverpool would need to carefully assess the risks before committing to another attempt at signing him. However, the lure of a player with such obvious potential could be too great to pass up.
Moreover, Liverpool are not the only club interested in Zubimendi. Reports suggest that Manchester City are also monitoring the situation, which only increases the pressure on the Reds to act quickly should Zubimendi’s injury not derail his future move.
The Road Ahead
While Liverpool’s immediate midfield options are in good shape, Zubimendi’s quality and Arne Slot’s desire for him make this a transfer saga worth following. If Zubimendi does indeed recover from his injury and still remains open to a move, it’s likely that Liverpool will revisit their interest in January. But with the injury cloud hanging over his head and rivals like Manchester City lurking, the situation is far from straightforward.
In the coming months, we’ll see whether Liverpool’s determination to land Zubimendi will pay off, or if the injury setback will see them pivot to alternative options. One thing is for certain: Zubimendi’s future remains in doubt, and Liverpool’s pursuit of the midfielder is far from over.
