“They could be behind Zubimendi rejecting Liverpool” — Neville

Spanish midfielder, Martin Zubimendi rejecting Liverpool came as quite the blow for the Reds who were in dire need of a number 6 heading into the new season. 

However, former Manchester United defender now turned pundit Gary Neville believes the La Liga factor may have had a part to play in swaying the Real Sociedad star from making the move to the premier league.

The Spanish midfielder, fresh off a successful Euro 2024 campaign with Spain, had seemed set to join the Merseyside club, only to have the deal collapse at the eleventh hour.

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The former Manchester United captain Gary Neville weighed in on the situation, offering a compelling theory on why Zubimendi may have pulled out of the move. Speaking on the “Stick to Football” podcast, Neville suggested that the allure of Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona could be behind the player’s decision to stay put in La Liga.

“For this to have happened to Liverpool, he has said yes to them and then changed his mind late. There’s no way, we have been there at different levels, he’s definitely said yes to them and then changed his mind,” Neville remarked.

He went on to imply that Real Madrid or Barcelona may have whispered promises of a future move, causing Zubimendi to rethink his plans: “I never trust Barcelona and Real Madrid… If they come, you’re dead.”

As Liverpool shifts their focus away from Zubimendi, they are reportedly closing in on a deal for Valencia’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the “deal is on,” with Liverpool offering €30 million for the shot-stopper.