Manchester United blow as £52m ace admits he does not want move

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Martin Zubimendi has handed Manchester United’s hopes of bringing him to the Premier League a blow with the La Liga star committing himself to Real Sociedad.

New owners or not, Erik ten Hag will not have it easy this summer as he looks to reconstruct the Man United squad while straying clear of Financial Fair Play breaches.

The £52 million release clause in Zubimendi’s contract, then, might just have become that little bit more tempting. Especially with the likes of Moises Caicedo, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham expected to cost double.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Zubimendi caught United’s eye after impressing at Old Trafford during Sociedad’s 1-0 Europa League group-stage win in the spring.

But, after playing down reports linking him with a move to Arsenal, Zubimendi is once again at pains to point out that he is in no rush to leave a Sociedad side who have Champions League qualification all-but sewn up.

Manchester United like Martin Zubimendi

“I have never said that I want to leave Real,” the 24-year-old academy graduate tells Marca. “And I do nothing but watch news about it (speculation over my future). It makes me feel uncomfortable.

“The best thing I can do is stay here. I haven’t even considered leaving. I’m at home, and happy to continue growing here at the club.

“It’s very nice to be at home and be able to compete at the highest level. And it’s very nice to renew (your contract) and see your team-mates also renew because they believe in this project.”

Zubimendi, who would likely have been identified as an understudy and then potential replacement for 31-year-old Casemiro, is currently under contract until the summer of 2027 at San Sebastian.

Recent reports, meanwhile, suggest that Manchester United have made a £105 million ‘proposal’ for England international Bellingham. The legitimacy of those claims are, however, more than a little doubtful.

Many expect United to focus on a number of affordable additions. Rather than blowing their budget on one – admittedly supremely-gifted – player.