Martin Zubimendi rejected Liverpool's offer last summer, a move that stunned the club and its fans.
What happened?
The Spanish midfielder had been a target for Liverpool, but he decided to stay at La Real, feeling that he still had a lot to learn.
He told The Athletic that "it wasn't an easy time" and that he wanted to stay at La Real.
Why it matters for Martin Zubimendi
Zubimendi's decision to reject Liverpool has had a significant impact on his career, with him now playing for Arsenal.
The midfielder's move to Arsenal has added an emotional edge to the situation, with Liverpool fans feeling aggrieved.
What comes next?
Zubimendi may face a hostile reception at Anfield next season, particularly now that he wears the colors of a rival.
Liverpool has moved on from the rejection, with Ryan Gravenberch growing into a standout performer.
The Dutchman was instrumental in Liverpool's title-winning campaign, blending athleticism with technical assurance.
And Liverpool's midfield has been reshaped around opportunity rather than regret.
So the Reds have emerged stronger, with Gravenberch's rise softening the blow of Zubimendi's rejection.
But Zubimendi's choice to wait may have made sense to him in the moment, with him now playing for Arsenal.
The Spaniard's style, intelligence, and calm under pressure made him a natural fit for Liverpool's system.
However, his absence cleared a pathway for Gravenberch, who was awarded Premier League Young Player of the Year.
As football so often proves, rejection can open unexpected doors, with Gravenberch's growth a prime example.
And Liverpool's title win has eased the pain of Zubimendi's rejection, with the Reds thriving without him.
But the sense of what might have been will linger, with Zubimendi's decision to reject Liverpool still a talking point.