Gary Neville weighs in on Martin Zubimendi's Liverpool transfer snub

Liverpool have once again missed out on a midfield transfer target , this time Martin Zubimendi. Gary Neville has his own theory about what might have happened .

The recruitment department's revamp was supposed to signal a new era. Despite being built by the esteemed Michael Edwards and led by sporting director Richard Hughes, the team has experienced a familiar disappointment with a top target ultimately rejecting a move to Anfield .

In this instance, Zubimendi chose to remain at his current club, Real Sociedad.

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This adds a new angle to a recurring theme, with Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Aurelien Tchouameni all opting for different suitors over the past two summers.

There's no indication that Hughes made any specific mistakes, except perhaps letting the story leak before there were any solid guarantees. According to reports, he thought Zubimendi had given his word, but the player simply changed his mind - every transfer saga involves real people, so these things happen.

Liverpool is well aware of this, having benefited when Steven Gerrard decided to stay loyal to his childhood club. However, it's undeniably extremely frustrating in this case, particularly as the club looks set to go another summer without signing anyone for the holding midfield position.

Neville, who had a short-lived stint in La Liga, suspects there's more to the sudden change of heart than what's being presented. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, he said: "For this to have happened to Liverpool, he has said yes to them and he has then changed his mind late," adding, "There's no way, we have been there at different levels, he's definitely said yes to them and then changed his mind."

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He also expressed his distrust of Barcelona and Real Madrid, saying, "I never trust Barcelona and Real Madrid either being involved with something and saying "we're going to come, we're not ready yet but we'll take you. " That's always over there and if they come you're dead."

While there's no evidence of interference from the Spanish giants, Zubimendi has previously piqued Barcelona's interest. Perhaps an offer from the Catalan club or Real Madrid, allowing him to stay in Spain, will be enough to sway him.

Alternatively, he may follow in the footsteps of other Basque players and remain loyal to his current club, a choice that would be beyond criticism.

Liverpool now faces the task of moving forward without him, potentially without any new first-team additions. His sudden reversal has left the Reds scrambling, and it will be up to Arne Slot to demonstrate his value if they are to compete for top honors.

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