Liverpool decided against reviving their interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi due to Ryan Gravenberch’s performances, according to The Athletic reporter James Pearce.
The Reds were close to sealing the signature of the Spanish international last summer before he pulled out of the transfer at the last minute.
However, with Arsenal now reportedly close to snapping up Zubimendi, Pearce claims that Gravenberch’s emergence as a key player has led to Liverpool ending their interest in recruiting another holding midfielder. Supporters on X are not buying the explanation whatsoever:
Pathetic
— Bara'a Ossra (@BaraaOssra) January 14, 2025
So gravenberch is immortal to injuries…. Right
— Ryan Whyte (@RyanWhy45) January 14, 2025
So Liverpool think gravenberch won’t get injured at all
— Nathan (@QuinnNathan132) January 14, 2025
Liverpool don't have anyone else in the squad of the same caliber as Gravenberch. If he gets injured, Liverpool could lose the title because of it.
— El Matador Núñez (@NunezKnockout) January 14, 2025
Yeah why would we ever need backups am I right
— Josh (@salahfavala) January 14, 2025
I think I've seen this film before.
And I didn't like the ending.— Bruno Rodrigo (@brunor8s) January 14, 2025
What happens if Gravenberch gets injured?
The biggest concern many fans have is the lack of depth in the No.6 position. Ryan Gravenberch has managed to stay fit since the start of the season but, if he is out for a lengthy period, who does head coach Arne Slot call upon?
Wataru Endo can play the position but he doesn’t really possess the qualities that the manager wants from a player who is tasked with dictating the play in midfield. Zubimendi would have been the ideal candidate to take some of the weight off Gravenberch’s shoulders.
Slot hints that Liverpool won’t sign any players this month
Asked whether the Reds need to strengthen their squad during the January transfer window after the 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening, Slot said:
“I think you saw today again that I can still strengthen the team or impact the game with the substitutes I have on the bench. Not for the first time this season, these players have helped us, that I could bring in. If you look at today, like I said, I couldn’t have asked for more.”
Based on those remarks, it seems that Slot is happy to keep with the squad he has until the end of the campaign.
Read our exclusive interview with Emmanuel Petit as he explains why Liverpool did not pursue Khvicha Kvaratskhelia