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Liverpool did just fine without Martin Zubimendi last season, with Ryan Gravenberch emerging as an elite alternative when the Spaniard turned down the advances of Arne Slot.
But a year on, the former Real Sociedad star has moved to the Premier League to sign for Arsenal. In the upcoming season, he will be aiming to help the Gunners end their title drought and overtake the Reds.
Sporting director Richard Hughes did his best to try and tempt Zubimendi to Anfield in 2024, but the player didn't think it was the right time. A year on, he has outlined what his thoughts were when Liverpool came in for him.
"It wasn't an easy time," he told The Athletic. "I wanted to stay at La Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options.
"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."
Mikel Arteta also played a big role in eventually changing Zubimendi's mind. The Arsenal manager played for Real Sociedad and comes from the same region in Spain, which had an influence in the 26-year-old's decision.
"I don’t know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe," Zubimendi explained. "I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad.
"I think I’ve found him. In the few days I’ve been here, I’ve seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he’s the one."
Liverpool has spent big in the summer transfer market this year, having only brought in Federico Chiesa last summer. But Gravenberch has been so good that no alternative number six has been targeted.
The Reds have brought in an attacking midfielder in the form of Florian Wirtz but Slot has so far been happy with his midfield options. The revamp has been more at full-back and in attack.
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Wirtz could make his first public appearance in a game for Liverpool this weekend when the Reds take on AC Milan in Hong Kong. They then play Yokohama Marinos in Japan a week today.
The new Premier League season begins with the visit of Bournemouth to Anfield on Friday, August 15. After traveling to St James' Park to take on Newcastle United, Liverpool then hosts Arsenal in what could be a big game early on in the campaign.
Liverpool.com says: Zubimendi could be excellent for Arsenal but Liverpool won't be too fussed at missing out. In Gravenberch, Wirtz, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones, it has a really good mix of quality options.
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