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Transfers
David Ornstein discusses whether Liverpool could make another move for Martin Zubimendi in the future
Liverpool missed out on Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window as the Real Sociedad midfielder opted to stay at his boyhood club.
Arne Slot felt the Reds needed reinforcements in the number six position and Zubimendi was viewed as the ideal candidate to add more control to his midfield.
However, the deal didn’t materialize and Liverpool opted to stick to their guns as they refrꦕained from pursuing alternatives.
Fabrizio Romano believes Live🐓rpool could re-kindle their move for Zubimendi at some point in the future.
And now, David Ornstein has doubled down on 🅰those claims, opening the door for a future transfer.
David Ornstein offers fresh Martin Zubimendi transfer hope for Liverpool
Liverpool were slated by fans and pundits for not identifying a plan B for Zubimendi as they failed to bring a midfielder through the door at A𒊎nfield.
Howe🍌ver, Ornstein feels the Reds did the right thing but not signing an alternative for the sake of it.
“They decided that they would only do somet🔜hing that could certainly add to the squad,” Ornstein said on The Athletic FC Podcast.
“They targeted Martin Zubim𓃲endi aಞnd got far in the deal, but ultimately he decided to stay at Real Sociedad.
“But no panic, don’t suddenly knee-jerk to an alternative that might not be quite right for you. Perha😼ps, go with your internal, existing options until the ꦏright opportunity arises.
Liverpool have been known to bide their time and return for their long-term targets, as was the case with Virgil van Dijk in 2017 after they were in𝓀itially frustrated in their efforts to sign him.
O🧸rnstein beౠlieves a similar situation could be in the offing for Zubimendi, offering renewed hope that a transfer could be rekindled.
He continued: “Maybe that 🎐will be Zubimendi in the future in the way that Virgil van Dijk was after they missed out on him when he was at Southampton one summer and then they signed him in January or maybe it’ll be someone else entirely, or nobody at all as Ryan Gravenberch takes to the role with aplomb. Let’s see.”
Why did Zubimendi reject Liverpool?
Real Sociedad launched a charm offensive to keep Zubimendi at the club, hi🐻ghlighting the midfielder’s love for his city and what he means to his boyhood club.
Manager Imanol Alguacil held lengthy chats wi⛄th him throughout the saga and eventually succeeded in keeping him at the club after Euro 2024, where the 25-year-old featured in the final ﷺas Spain won the competition.
There were reports that Zubimendi was set to siﷺgn a new deal at Real Sociedad after snubbing advances ဣfrom Anfield, but th🧔at hasn’t happened yet.
How Liverpool reacted to Zubimendi transfer snub
Slot has opted to use Gravenberch as a number six and the Dutchman has been fantastic in his new role, most recently impressing in the 3-0 win against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Playing alongside Alexis Mac Allister at the heart of the midfield, Gravenberch has combined his tecꦓhnical ability and physicality with aplomb.
His performances have emerged as a silver lining for Liver🔯pool after missing out on Zubimendi, who has alܫso started the new season in fine form for Sociedad.
The Reds have a knack of returning for their long-term targets and it remains to be seen if they do so for Zubi♕mendi in the coming months.