It is now just three days until the Reds kick off their Premier League campaign against newly promoted Ipswich Town.
Supporters would have hoped to go into that game with at least one or two new faces in the Liverpool squad.
Instead, new head coach Arne Slot will choose from more or less the same pool of players Jurgen Klopp did when facing Wolves on May the 19th.
But it isn’t as though Liverpool did not try to rectify that. The Reds pushed hard to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad but ultimately came up short. And Gary Neville thinks he may know why.
Martin Zubimendi of Spain controls the ball during the UEFA EURO 2024 semi-final match between Spain and France at Munich Football Arena on July 9,...
Gary Neville shares Martin Zubimendi theory
Although he turned down the move to Anfield, it remains true that Zubimendi would have been perfect for Liverpool.
In terms of what Slot is trying to do with the midfield, we think the 25-year-old would have added exactly the right ingredients.
Nevertheless, it isn’t going to happen. After messing Liverpool around and initially giving them as yes, Zubimendi has backed down and will stay at his hometown club.
The reason for this has largely been accepted that the Basque simply could not face the prospect of leaving the club he has supported and then played for all his life.
However, speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, pundit Neville has speculated that Zubimendi could have interest down the line from Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“For this to have happened to Liverpool, he has said yes to them and he has then changed his mind late,” he says.
“There’s no way, we have been there at different levels, he’s definitely said yes to them and then changed his mind.
“I never trust Barcelona and Real Madrid either being involved with something and saying we’re going to come, we’re not ready yet but we’ll take you,” Neville adds.
“That’s always over there and if they come you’re dead. “
What will Liverpool do next?
Whether you agree with Neville’s hypothesis – and for the record we don’t – it makes no difference. The reasons why are largely immaterial.
The hard facts are that Zubimendi is not joining Liverpool and they remain without a player in the mould that Slot wants to run his midfield.
Despite the Dutchman clearly identifying it as a need in the transfer market, though, the Reds don’t appear willing to compromise on what they see as a lesser quality option.
It has been claimed that Liverpool have no alternative to Zubimendi. Instead, Slot will have to rely on what he has to get the job done.
It will be a sickener if Zubimendi ends up joining either Barca or Madrid in a year’s time. But having reportedly said no to the Catalans in the past, we don’t think it’ll happen.
0 Comments