Martin Zubimendi turned down a move to Liverpool last summer, choosing to stay loyal to Real Sociedad at the time. But fast-forward a year, and the landscape has shifted — with Arsenal now reportedly agreeing personal terms as they lead the race for the highly rated Spanish midfielder.
Despite Liverpool’s strong interest in 2024, Zubimendi made it clear he wasn’t ready to leave Real Sociedad. Loyalty played a major role — the midfielder had just helped his boyhood club secure Champions League qualification and was seen as a key figure in Imanol Alguacil’s system.
Arne Slot identified the Spaniard as his top target for the holding midfield role during last summer’s transfer window, viewing him as a key piece for his Reds setup.
Liverpool — especially sporting director Richard Hughes — were left frustrated by Zubimendi’s last-minute change of heart. And with the midfielder now seemingly on his way to one of the Reds’ biggest Premier League rivals, that disappointment is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
Towards the end of 2024, Zubimendi reflected on his decision, recalling how he first learned of Liverpool’s interest during the summer. “I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise. It wasn’t something I had planned,” said the 26-year-old. “I reacted when the situation arose. It was an uncomfortable time for me, but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay.
“I don’t believe in ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunities. If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush. I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club’s project. “I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take. It wasn’t that hard of a decision. There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me. And that was staying.”
Whether or not the Reds will consider another holding midfielder is yet to be seen, considering Ryan Gravenberch has excelled in the role this season, with Wataru Endo being a more than competent back-up.
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Spanish football expert Guillem Balague didn’t predict that the midfielder would join the Gunners. Hetold the BBC in January: “He turned down Liverpool and was a star of the moment of the season when he replaced Rodri at half-time for Spain in the Euro final. England exploded with happiness when Rodri went off but he is perhaps, after Rodri, the best holding midfielder in the world.
“I was told everything was done with Liverpool but he decided personally not to leave. Now three months into the season he is ready to go. When Manchester City want a replacement for Rodri, that is the guy to look for. Barca would like him but don’t have the money and he is ready to leave now.
“He is not the strongest or fastest but he reads the game so well and leads the team. He understands the role perfectly. I don’t think Liverpool will go back, although Zubimendi is a different level to Ryan Gravenberch.
“I know Man City like him a lot. And teams with 60m euros? He can only go to the Premier League. Chelsea don’t need him, Manchester United maybe?”
