Liverpool were in the advanced stages of a deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi but when it fell through, they didn’t panic.
The transfer would have set the Reds back £51 million but when the player said he wanted to stay at the club, they were forced to rethink.
As is typical for the Reds in such circumstances, they didn’t panic and instead made the decision to wait until such a time they would be able to sign a top class alternative.
Instead, Ryan Gravenberch has been given the opportunity to make the role his own. It’s safe to say that the Dutch ace is not wasting the chance with three brilliant performances in the no.6 role since the start of the Premier League season.
David Ornstein explains how Liverpool avoided panicking after Zubimendi deal fell through
Martin Zubimendi. Credit: Imago Images
“They decided that they would only do something that could certainly add to the squad,” Ornstein said on The Athletic FC Podcast.
“They targeted Martin Zubimendi and got far in the deal, but ultimately he decided to stay at Real Sociedad.
“But no panic, don’t suddenly knee-jerk to an alternative that might not be quite right for you. Perhaps, go with your internal, existing options until the right opportunity arises.
“Maybe that will be Zubimendi in the future in the way that Virgil van Dijk was after they missed out on him when he was at Southampton one summer and then they signed him in January or maybe it’ll be someone else entirely, or nobody at all as Ryan Gravenberch takes to the role with aplomb. Let’s see.”
There’s no doubt Liverpool need a no.6 but…
Arne Slot (L) and Richard Hughes (R). Credit: Imago Images
Liverpool are not easily influenced in the transfer market and that’s not going to change just because Jurgen Klopp is no longer the manager.
FSG may be accused of being stingy at times but they have given Liverpool something that clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, for example, don’t have.
Negotiating power.
By not bowing to the pressure of fan expectation and the need for recruitment, Liverpool get deals and bargains their Premier League rivals don’t because they’ve made it plainly obvious that they will pay whatever they must.
Additionally, it means they are also able to pay lower wages as incoming players understand they must earn top-tier salaries which they will not receive from the very beginning.
It’s risky but it works for Liverpool.
