Liverpool makes final decision on Martin Zubimendi deal despite past heartbreak

Liverpool pushed to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window but the Real Sociedad midfielder opted to stay at his boyhood club.

Zubimendi’s decision left Liverpool in an unwanted situation as new manager Arne Slot felt the Reds needed reinforcements in the number six position and the Spain international was identified as the perfect fit.

Despite all parties failing to reach an agreement during the summer transfer window, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano believes Liverpool 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.

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 something that could certainly add to the squad,” Ornstein said on The Athletic FC Podcast.

“They targeted Martin Zubimendi and 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. Perhaps, go with your internal, existing options until the right opportunity arises.

Liverpool have been known to bide their time and return for their long-term targets, as was the case

Ornstein believes Liverpool could follow the similar path they used in signing Virgil van Dijk in 2017 after they were initially frustrated in their efforts to sign him.

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.”

Despite not being able to add Zubimendi to their squad, Liverpool have begun the new season in a great form, winning their first three matches including a 3-0 win over Manchester United.