Martin Zubimendi reveals the real reason why he rejected Liverpool

Liverpool’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi last summer was, for all intents and purposes, textbook. The club identified a target, made their move early and had every reason to believe they had succeeded. What followed was a rare and very public change of heart from the player, one that stunned not just the fanbase but the corridors of power at Anfield.

Zubimendi has now spoken for the first time about his last-minute decision to reject Liverpool. “It wasn’t an easy time. I wanted to stay at La Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options,” he told The Athletic. “The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave, and it wasn’t the right time. I felt La Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying was the best decision.”

For Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, who had orchestrated the move, it was a reminder that football remains a deeply personal game. No matter how attractive the project, how persuasive the pitch, a player’s readiness, emotional, mental, and professional, cannot be guaranteed by spreadsheets or scouting dossiers.

Zubimendi’s subsequent move to Arsenal has not gone unnoticed. What was once a reluctance to leave the Basque Country has, in hindsight, transformed into a calculated career step. Joining a direct title rival adds an emotional edge to what was already a delicate subject.

For Liverpool, watching Zubimendi turn out in red and white rather than red will sting. The midfielder was viewed as a long-term solution in a role that demanded evolution, not just replacement. His style, intelligence and calm under pressure made him a natural fit for the system Arne Slot now oversees.

And yet, as football so often proves, rejection can open unexpected doors. Zubimendi’s absence cleared a pathway for Ryan Gravenberch, who, repositioned as a defensive midfielder, grew into one of the season’s standout performers.

Awarded Premier League Young Player of the Year, the Dutchman was instrumental in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign, blending athleticism with technical assurance. Slot’s decision to reframe Gravenberch’s role now looks inspired.

Liverpool moved on quickly and successfully, but the sense of what might have been will linger. Zubimendi may face a hostile reception at Anfield next season, particularly now that he wears the colours of a rival.

Still, the Reds have emerged stronger, their midfield reshaped around opportunity rather than regret. The Spaniard’s choice to wait may have made sense to him in the moment, but in Merseyside, there is pride in the fact that Liverpool thrived without him.

Liverpool fans will rightly feel aggrieved at how this saga has unfolded. Zubimendi seemed on the verge of becoming a Red, only to back out and then sign for Arsenal less than a year later. The idea that he was “not ready” last summer, only to join a direct rival shortly after, feels hollow. Timing matters, yes, but loyalty and intention also play a part in how a player is received.

That said, there is also a calmness among supporters. Gravenberch’s rise softened the blow considerably. His performances as a deep-lying midfielder brought balance, drive and composure, making Zubimendi’s absence a footnote rather than a headline.

Still, there will be a sense of unfinished business. When Arsenal visit Anfield, Zubimendi should expect a full-throated welcome, not of applause, but resistance. Liverpool fans do not forget. And while the club has moved forward impressively, there will always be a hint of what could have been.