Steve McManaman has revealed shocking insights into Liverpool's dashed hopes of signing Martin Zubimendi last summer. The Reds were ready to trigger a £52m buyout clause to secure the Spaniard as Arne Slot's inaugural recruit at Anfield.

Despite being tipped for a switch and reportedly going as far as wearing a Liverpool shirt in photos, Zubimendi was ultimately swayed by a last-minute plea from his current club to stay on in Spain. Liverpool then skipped the pursuit of an alternate player, which turned out fortuitously, as Ryan Gravenberch excelled as the new holding midfielder this season.

Sharing his revelation on TNT Sports before Liverpool's Champions League game against Girona, McManaman responded to Rio Ferdinand's commentary, agreeing that Gravenberch's impressive display had not been anticipated. "No, I think you're right, (Liverpool didn't envisage Gravenberch's form)," said McManaman.

"The fact that Martin Zubimendi was practically signed... Pictured, kit on, etc etc and then he decided to go back on that and stay with Sociedad. It meant that Ryan Gravenberch, along with (Wataru) Endo, they were the only two in that position."

McManaman continued to heap praise on Gravenberch, stating: "He's 22 years of age. He got a bit lost at Bayern with injuries and not getting chosen and the manager, whether the fact that Arne Slot of course knows the Dutch league, knows what he's like, is a Dutchman himself, put faith in him but he's responded in kind.

"You only expect him to get better and better and better. Let's hope he stays free of any injury and he will flourish."