Arne Slot opens up on Martin Zubimendi transfer snub and how it transformed Ryan Gravenberch at Liverpool
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot revealed his interest in signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi during the summer transfer window, viewing him as a key option for the defensive midfield role. Although Liverpool had lined up a £51 million transfer and agreed to trigger Zubimendi’s buyout clause, the 25-year-old decided to remain at his boyhood club, leading Liverpool to forego acquiring another midfielder during that period[1][4].
Slot explained that Zubimendi's appeal lay in his excellent ball-playing ability and deep game insight, qualities ideal for Liverpool's style of maintaining high ball possession. Moreover, Zubimendi was also strong defensively, which Slot believed would have suited the demands of the Premier League well[2][4].
With Zubimendi staying put, Ryan Gravenberch was given the opportunity to fill the defensive midfield role, a position less familiar to him. Gravenberch has since flourished under Slot’s guidance, starting every league and Champions League match this season and earning recognition, including a place in the PFA Team of the Year. Slot noted that Gravenberch shares several qualities with Zubimendi, particularly in terms of ball skill and game intelligence, making him a fitting alternative in that position[1][2].
The Zubimendi transfer rejection indirectly transformed Gravenberch from a fringe player into a linchpin, showcasing how the failed transfer reshaped Liverpool's midfield dynamics. Arsenal’s acquisition of Zubimendi for the upcoming summer also positions a notable storyline in the ongoing Premier League rivalry[1][2].
Slot further reflected that Liverpool's current success in the Premier League came without a specialist defensive midfielder but also hinted that adding a player like Zubimendi could be increasingly important moving forward, especially to alleviate potential overwork on Gravenberch[2].
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