Gary Neville has interesting theory on Martin Zubimendi Liverpool SNUB

Gary Neville has shared his theory as to why Martin Zubimendi rejected a move to Liverpool.

The Reds' interest in the Spain Euro 2024 winner emerged last week as new head coach Arne Slot, along with the club's recruitment team identifying the midfielder as the ideal candidate for the no.6 role.

With a buyout clause of €60 million (£51 million) it appeared to be a relative straightforward deal for the Merseyside giants to complete, although Real Sociedad were pulling out all the stops in an attempt to convince the 25-year-old to stay.

Ultimately, Sociedad's plan worked. The midfielder is staying put and is also signing a new deal with his boyhood club which means it's back to the drawing board for Slot and company.

Now, despite it being claimed that Zubimendi had given his word to Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes that he would move to Anfield, Neville has a feeling that Barcelona and Real Madrid played a role in the Spaniard changing his mind.

"For this to have happened to Liverpool, he has said yes to them and he has then changed his mind late," the Manchester United legend said on the Stick to Football podcast.

Neville: "Never trust Barcelona and Real Madrid"

"There’s no way, we have been there at different levels, he’s definitely said yes to them and then changed his mind.

"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."

So far, there has been little to suggest that either Barcelona or Real Madrid are planning to move for Zubimendi in the near future. Therefore, time will tell as to whether Neville is proven right over his theory.