Martin Zubimendi twist could COST Liverpool Alexis Mac Allister

Liverpool's failed move for Martin Zubimendi could ultimately cost them Alexis Mac Allister, too. The Reds face a difficult summer there.

Liverpool had one major transfer plan in 2024: sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. He was picked as the player who could help transform the side under Arne Slot and get the Reds moving in the right direction.

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Ultimately, it was a transfer failure. Liverpool pushed hard to sign the midfielder but he rejected them right at the death, instead wanting to remain at home.

Richard Hughes and co. simply moved on. There was no alternative in mind and the Reds went into this campaign with Ryan Gravenberch playing the role picked out for Zubimendi.

That was an inspired idea, with the Dutchman taking to it near-flawlessly. It also meant that Zubimendi remains available and it's thought that he's now open to leaving Sociedad.

Liverpool, for what it's worth, aren't actually linked all that heavily with the Spaniard. Arsenal appear to be leading the race, with Real Madrid also interested in snapping him up.

It's a situation that combines into a poor one for Liverpool. This might actually end up costing them a key player.

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Mac Allister's future

Real Madrid appear set to lose the race to sign Zubimendi. That leaves them looking at other midfielders and Alexis Mac Allister is reportedly one of those.

Marca recently reported that Mac Allister was discussed at a recent transfer meeting at Madrid. It's not through to be an easy move to make happen but Los Blancos are willing to try.

In other words, they're willing to try and turn Mac Allister's head towards Madrid, much as they have with Trent Alexander-Arnold. It remains to be seen how Liverpool would react in such a situation - they could decide to sell an unsettled player, or they could hold strong.

This is a strange but direct result of the Zubimendi failure, though it would be less of an issue if he was now off to Real Madrid. Instead, Liverpool could actually end up with neither player.

But we'll stress again that the ball is in Liverpool's court here. They don't need to sell Mac Allister and his long-term contract makes things difficult for Madrid.

READ MORE: £100m midfielder confirms he is DESTINED to join Liverpool

At the same time, they appear to believe a move is possible, for whatever reason. And this might just end up being one of the major stories of the summer.