Gary Neville shares Liverpool transfer theory after Martin Zubimendi move collapses

Gary Neville reckons Martin Zubimendi might have had Spanish giants Barcelona or Real Madrid in his ear before opting to reject a move to Liverpool this summer. The Reds were hoping to complete a big-money swoop for the Euro 2024 winner - but Zubimendi performed a U-turn and chose to stay at Real Sociedad instead.

Before that decision, the Reds had been told unequivocally that Zubimendi wanted to depart San Sebastian. The 25-year-old has a release clause worth £52million in his contract, but that does come with complications.

The Liverpool ECHO understands Liverpool viewed the collapsed Zubimendi deal as an opportunistic move, while he was regarded in-house as the prime target in signing a new No.6-type midfielder. As it stands, though, the Reds will not pursue other options amid long-standing problems in finding the right man.

Arne Slot used several different players as a holding midfielder during his first pre-season as Liverpool manager. He will, presumably, have to do likewise when the Reds get their Premier League campaign underway. But did Zubimendi have his head turned at the 11th hour? Neville certainly reckons so.

The former Manchester United captain told his ever-popular Stick to Football podcast: "For this to have happened to Liverpool, he has said 'yes' to them and he has then changed his mind late. There's no way... We have been there at different levels, he's definitely said 'yes' to them and then changed his mind."

Neville, 49, added: "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."