Liverpool only signed Federico Chiesa during Arne Slot's first summer but the Reds did make a strong attempt to bring in Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. In the end, he decided not to leave his boyhood club.
Without Zubimendi coming in and with no other obvious alternative available on the market, Liverpool pivoted to using Ryan Gravenberch in the number six position. And while that has proven to be a revelation, adding another midfield option to reduce the workload on the Dutchman could be important.
It remains to be seen whether that will be a priority for sporting director Richard Hughes, though, given he will have a lot of other work to do. Trent Alexander-Arnold, it appears, will need to be replaced, and there remain question marks over the futures of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
Left-back and number nine look like areas that could be improved in the starting XI too considering the questions attached to Andy Robertson and Darwin Nunez this season. In short, there could be plenty of things that need taking care of.
A year on from the Zubimendi chase, and with Arsenal having taken the lead in the race for his signature in January despite Mikel Arteta already having plenty of midfield options, there has now been another twist in the tale. According to the Spanish outlet Cope, Zubimendi is still considering other options.
It claims that Real Madrid is also in for the 26-year-old and would be willing to pay his $65m (£51m/€60m) release clause. Croatian legend Luka Modric will turn 40 later this year and while he is still a regular fixture for Real Madrid, Los Blancos do need a succession plan there.
Martin Zubimendi defensive midfield of Real Sociedad and Spain during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between S.S. Lazio and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Stadio Olimpico on January 23, 2025 in Rome, Italy.
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. (Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Zubimendi is a proven option that they are considering for the vacancy, with the report suggesting he is "increasingly close" to moving to the Bernabeu.
It is possible that Xabi Alonso could replace Carlo Ancelotti in the summer and that would further add to the appeal of Real Madrid for Zubimendi. He worked with the former Liverpool midfielder at Real Sociedad and the pair have a strong relationship.
But while Zubimendi would no doubt have been a good addition for Liverpool, not signing him hasn't proven particularly detrimental. Real Madrid — or whoever gets him — will be getting a top player, but not one better than Gravenberch.
Liverpool.com says: Zubimendi is a really good player. Moving to Real Madrid would mean not having to leave Spain, even if he would have to face his boyhood club in La Liga. Rejecting Liverpool was bold but that is a decision he will have to live with.