From Anfield to Emirates Stadium: Subimedi rejects the truth about Liverpool

Transfers uncovered old scars

Liverpool's pursuit of Martin Subimedi last summer is an example from all aspects. The club locked in on the target, took action early, and had good reason to believe they had succeeded. What happened next was rare: the player himself publicly changed his mind at the last minute, which not only shocked the fans, but also caught Anfield's top office off guard.

Subimendi talked for the first time about his decision to reject Liverpool at the last minute. "That time wasn't easy. I wanted to stay at Real Sociedad, but when the offer came, you couldn't help but start thinking about your choice," he told The Athletic. "The first question I have to answer is whether I want to leave, and it was not the right time. I feel that Real Sociedad can give me more opportunities, and I still have a lot to learn, so staying is the best decision."

For Edwards and Richard Hughes, who are carefully planning this transfer, this is undoubtedly a reminder: football is a highly personal sport after all. No matter how tempting the club’s blueprint is or how persuasive the lobbying is, whether players are “ready” emotionally, psychologically, and professionally, cannot be guaranteed through spreadsheets or scout reports.

' transfer to Arsenal has attracted greater attention

Subimedi's move to Arsenal after receiving much attention. The decision to leave the Basque Country at the beginning seems to have turned into a carefully calculated career leap. Joining the championship directly adds an emotional conflict to this already subtle topic.

For Liverpool, watching Subimedi play in Arsenal jersey rather than Liverpool jersey will undoubtedly bring sting. The midfielder is seen as a long-term solution to a key position (back midfielder) that needs to evolve, rather than just a replacement. His style of playing, his business and his calm temperament under pressure have made him a natural fit for Slott's existing system.

The midfield reorganization brings unexpected joys

However, as the football world often proves, being rejected can sometimes open unexpected doors. Subimedi's absence paved the way for Herafenberg. The Dutch, transformed into a defensive midfielder, has gradually grown into one of the most brilliant players of the season.

Hrafenberg, who was awarded the Premier League Young Player of the Year, played a key role in Liverpool's championship victory with his performance of both athleticism and technical guarantees. Slott's decision to reshape his position now seems to be a masterpiece. The long-term impact remains to be seen, Liverpool quickly and successfully emerged from the shadows, but the thought of "what could have happened" will still linger. Subimedi may face unfriendly reception at Anfield next season, especially as he is now wearing his arch-enemy suit.

Nevertheless, the Reds have become stronger, and their midfield has completed a reorganization around opportunities rather than regrets. The Spanish player's choice to wait might make sense, but at Merseyside, people are proud that Liverpool still flourish without him.

Our view

Liverpool fans have every reason to be angry about the direction of this transfer farce. Subimedi seemed to be close to becoming a member of the Reds for a time, but withdrew at the last minute and signed with Arsenal less than a year later. The so-called "not ready" last summer, but in a blink of an eye he joined the argument of direct competitors, looking pale and powerless. Time is important, but loyalty and intention also affect the image of the players in the hearts of the fans.

With that being said, there is also a calmness in the fan community. The rise of Heraffenberg greatly alleviated the blow. His balance, drive and calmness as a drag-back midfielder turned Subimedi's absence into a footnote rather than a headline.

However, the feeling of the old debt will still exist. When Arsenal is visiting Anfield, Subimedi should be prepared to welcome the deafening "welcome", not applause, but confrontation. Liverpool fans will not forget. Although the club has made an impressive move forward, the infinite imagination about "if it was" will always leave a trace.