Liverpool manager Arne Slot has ruled out the possibility of signing Real Sociedad midfield stalwart Martin Zubimendi.
Liverpool were keen on acquiring the services of Martin Zubimendi during the recently concluded transfer window. The Reds were on the verge of securing his services but they couldn’t get it over the line as the player had a change of heart at the very end.
Signing a new defensive midfielder was one of their priorities during the summer. But, they decided against it after missing out on Zubimendi and Ryan Gravenberch has been used in a deeper role by Arne Slot. The Dutch international has done a great job so far.
While talking about the former Bayern Munich star’s impact, Slot even suggested that the Merseyside club have moved on from Martin Zubimendi and might not return for his services in the future.
He said via the Mirror: “If you’ve noticed it is not that much of one holding midfielder, it is a bit more two. And one of those two can be a bit more attacking and I think the player you mentioned [Zubimendi] could have fitted in one of those two roles and Ryan can fit in both roles like Curtis [Jones] can, [Alexis] Mac Allister can and Wataru [Endo] can.
“There is no point talking about Zubimendi anymore because he stayed with Real Sociedad and we’ve moved on and we are really happy with Ryan.
“You see a Ryan who is full of confidence and that comes normally with good performances and trusting your team-mates and knowing that you can do what you have to at that level.”
The Reds underwent a major overhaul in the centre of the park in the final years under Jurgen Klopp. While they had managed to bring in star players to strengthen their midfield, Liverpool were unable to bring in a top-quality defensive midfielder. They ended up signing Wataru Endo to help them.
He was considered a stop-gap signing and they entered the summer market with an objective to bring in a new defensive midfielder. Zubimendi was at the top of their wishlist and they were involved in long-drawn negotiations to acquire his services.
While it looked like the Spanish international was all set to move to Anfield, he had a change of heart very late on and decided to stay at his childhood club. It came as a massive blow to the Reds who then decided against making a move for any other player in that position.
Multiple reports have suggested that the Merseyside club retains interest in his services and could return for him next summer. But, Slot has suggested that they have moved on from the 25-year-old and are happy to see Gravenberch make the most out of the opportunities.
