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Arne Slot sends new Martin Zubimendi message as Liverpool transfer plan made clear

Arne Slot insists Liverpool has 'moved on' from Martin Zubimendi
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Arne Slot has ruled out any future move for Martin Zubimendi, insisting Liverpool has ‘moved on’ following his summer transfer snub.

The Reds were in hot pursuit of the Real Sociedad midfielder earlier this year, and looked to be close to a deal until Zubimendi decided to stay put at his boyhood club. Since then though, there has been speculation that the 25-year-old may regret his decision.

Reports emerged this week suggesting Zubimendi wanted to perform a U-turn, although they were dismissed by both sources in Spain and the UK. What’s more, Slot has now suggested Liverpool has moved on following the summer transfer saga.

Ryan Gravenberch has since shone in the No.6 role for the Reds, operating in a double pivot alongside Alexis Mac Allister. Explaining what his plans for the Dutchman would have been had Zubimendi made the move to Anfield, Slot insists Gravenberch would have still found plenty of game time in his system.

"It is not that much of one holding midfielder, it is a bit more two - and one of those two can be a bit more attacking," Slot said (via the ECHO). "I think the player you mentioned could have fitted in in one of those two roles and Ryan can fit in both roles like Curtis (Jones) can, Alexis (Mac Allister) can and Wataru (Endo) can.

"If I could have bought him (Zubimendi) then maybe I could have rotated a bit more and you guys (the media) would be a lot more happy about it! But there is no point talking about Zubimendi anymore because he stayed with Real Sociedad and we've moved on and we are really happy with Ryan.

Martin Zubimendi turned down a move to Liverpool during the summer
Martin Zubimendi turned down a move to Liverpool during the summer -Credit:Getty Images

"But a club like ours should always try to bring in good players who can help the team to win because it is going to be a long season and therefore you need a lot of good players.

"That has been proven in the Premier League if you look at the ones who have won the league in recent years. They have had a very big squad. So I don't think it would have affected Ryan's playing time."

Liverpool.com says: It’s good to see Slot making a definitive statement on Zubimendi. Not that it will stop the rumors of a potential move to Anfield still being on.

If Sociedad continues to struggle, then we’ll no doubt see more of those before January, although it’s clear now that Liverpool has found a viable alternative in Gravenberch. He will obviously have tougher tests to come, but he has shown why the ball will be firmly in the Reds’ court now if Zubimendi does come calling.