Arne Slot privately made his feelings very clear after Liverpool missed out on Martin Zubimendi in 2024

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Martin Zubimendi rejecting Liverpool was one of the biggest transfer sagas that summer.The Reds have always been shrewd operators in the transfer market and rarely get things wrong, as when they attempt to sign someone, they almost always get them. But sometimes things do not go to plan, with their deal for Zubimendi in 2024 a prime example of this, with the Spaniard changing his mind last minute and rejecting a move to Anfield.

Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis. This left many Liverpool fans rather annoyed to say the least, with the midfielder only making matters worse by joining Arsenal the following year.Arne Slot would have likely been frustrated at missing out on one of his top targets too, although journalist James Pearce has revealed how he actually felt.Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesArne Slot was not bothered about missing out on Martin ZubimendiThe main reason why Liverpool fans were annoyed at the time was not because of his ability, as many had never actually seen him play, but because he went back on his word.It also was a little bit embarrassing for the Reds as it was played out so publicly, and many would have thought that Slot would be fuming given that life under him had not started perfectly.

However, Pearce has revealed that the Dutchman was actually rather calm about the situation, with a back-up plan already in place.“And again, from what I was told, there was this calmness to Slot after they missed out on Zubimendi,” he said on the Blood Red Podcast.“It was like, okay, well, actually, there were other options out there on the market, but it was like, actually, no, I think I’d rather just go with Gravenberch and play him as a six.”READ MORE: How much Antoine Semenyo would cost Liverpool if they were to wait until the summer Who will win Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest on Saturday? Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images Zubimendi has gone on to prove himself as a very adept footballer since joining Arsenal so there might be a small feeling of regret, although it is safe to say Liverpool would not have changed it for the world.Liverpool should be thankful that Martin Zubimendi rejected themThe rejection would have hurt a little, but the comeback is always greater than the setback, and that is what Liverpool learnt with Ryan Gravenberch.Slot decided to drop the Dutchman back and use him as a holding midfielder rather than his usual number eight position, with this turning out to be a game changer.Gravenberch has excelled in this role ever since and was one of the key reasons they won the league, with the 23-year-old carrying on his fine form this season too.If anything, he has proven himself to be a better player than Zubimendi at much less of a cost, suggesting Liverpool might be thankful that the Spaniard rejected them.