Report: Why Zubimendi Really Turned Down Liverpool Move | OneFootball

Why Martin Zubimendi’s Liverpool Snub May Have Been a Hidden Gift

Zubimendi’s U-turn: A twist in Liverpool’s summer

In what once appeared to be a nailed-on signing, Martin Zubimendi’s decision to reject Liverpool in August 2024 caught fans and pundits off guard. The Spanish midfielder seemed poised for a switch to Anfield before abruptly deciding to remain at Real Sociedad.

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, speaking on the Transfer Talk podcast, offered new insight: “This transfer goes back to last summer though, because he was very, very close to joining Liverpool. Everything was agreed with Liverpool only for him to change his mind.”

Sheth added that loyalty to his Basque roots was one part of the equation, but crucially, Arsenal’s early interest influenced Zubimendi’s thinking: “I’m led to believe that Arsenal actually made their interest clear to Zubimendi last summer… I think Zubimendi’s head was turned enough.”

Now, with reports from The Athletic suggesting that a move to Arsenal is “done and signed”, the saga has come full circle. But did Liverpool really lose out?

Timing of rejection led to unexpected success

Zubimendi’s snub initially looked like a disaster for Liverpool. It left new sporting director Richard Hughes scrambling in the final days of the window. No signings had been confirmed, and frustrations mounted among fans.

However, what followed was a shift few could have predicted. Arne Slot’s bold decision to repurpose Ryan Gravenberch in a deeper midfield role paid off in spades. The Dutchman, alongside Alexis Mac Allister, formed a formidable pivot that drove Liverpool to the Premier League title with four games to spare.

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Had Zubimendi signed, would Gravenberch have been given that opportunity? Or worse, would Liverpool have lost him altogether amid reported interest from Galatasaray?

Arsenal’s long-term planning worked in their favour

According to Sheth, Arsenal’s move for Zubimendi was part of a longer-term strategy: “They knew the following summer, at least one of those two players [Partey or Jorginho] was going to be leaving… So it’s proved so far.”

The Gunners’ planning and patience appear to have paid off. But as they finally secure Zubimendi, the question now becomes whether he can match the impact Gravenberch had for Liverpool.

Liverpool’s midfield evolution justified the near-miss

Ultimately, what once felt like a painful rejection now looks like a blessing in disguise. Gravenberch’s rise to Premier League Young Player of the Season, Mac Allister’s consistency, and Liverpool’s collective success show that the club adapted brilliantly.

Zubimendi may shine at Arsenal, but Liverpool’s midfield looks strong without him. His absence forced a reshuffle that helped define the Reds’ identity under Slot.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a Liverpool fan’s perspective, the Zubimendi saga is now less about regret and more about resilience. Last summer, it seemed a gut punch to lose out on such a composed, intelligent midfielder – especially after reports claimed the deal was agreed in principle. But hindsight makes everything clearer.

What Zubimendi’s rejection did was force the club’s hand – and in doing so, allowed Gravenberch to flourish. Fans watched the former Bayern man grow in stature week by week, culminating in a title-winning campaign and personal accolades. His chemistry with Mac Allister was central to Liverpool’s balance and control – something that might’ve been harder to achieve had a new big-name signing disrupted the dynamic.

And let’s not forget, part of being a Liverpool player is understanding the club’s values, culture, and expectations. Perhaps Zubimendi’s delay in committing – even if influenced by Arsenal – was a sign he wasn’t entirely ready for that challenge. No hard feelings, but no second thoughts either.

Let Arsenal have him. We’ll take the Premier League trophy – and a midfield built on trust, hard work, and smart coaching.