Gary Neville has offered his own theory why Martin Zubimendi rejected a move to Liverpool this summer.
Zubimendi, 25, seemed poised to join Liverpool, who had made him their top transfer target. The Reds had contemplated activating a £51m release clause in his contract with his boyhood club, Real Sociedad.
A transfer appeared imminent when reports suggested the midfielder had verbally agreed to join the Premier League club. However, negotiations have since fallen through, with recent reports indicating that Zubimendi has reconsidered moving to England and is now negotiating a new contract with Sociedad.
This follows claims that the Spanish club informed him he would need to pay his own release clause to secure a move to Anfield.
Liverpool have yet to make a senior signing this summer, and The Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele reports that the club does not plan to seek another No 6 in the current transfer window, despite missing out on Zubimendi.
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has speculated on why the move for Zubimendi fell through, suggesting that there might be more to the situation than the player simply changing his mind.
Speaking on Stick to Football, Neville remarked, “For this to happen with Liverpool, where he initially agreed and then changed his mind late, there’s definitely more to it. He must have said yes to them before reversing his decision.”
Neville further suggested that Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona might be influencing Zubimendi’s decision to reject Liverpool.
Neville added, “I never trust Barcelona and Real Madrid when they say they’re interested but aren’t ready yet. If they come in, you’re done for.”
Although Liverpool have shifted their focus from Zubimendi, they are close to making another signing. The Reds are nearing a move for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting that the “deal is on.”
Additionally, Nacho Sanchis of Relevo states that Liverpool have offered €30m (£25.7m) for Mamardashvili and are awaiting Valencia’s response.
Liverpool fans will be hoping for additional signings beyond Mamardashvili, as the start of the new Premier League season and their opening game against Ipswich on Saturday draw near.
