Manchester United may face another battle with La Liga champions Barcelona in they decide to step up their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi during the summer transfer window.
The Spain international has, after all, shown already that he’s got what it takes to thrive at Old Trafford.
Martin Zubimendi was one of the best players on the pitch as Sociedad defeated Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side 1-0 away from home in the UEFA Europa League group-stages back in September.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Zubimendi’s commanding display in the heart of the La Real midfield that night did not go unnoticed by the United chiefs. A striker, a goalkeeper and a right-sided centre-half may be among the Red Devils’ top priorities this summer but a deep-lying enforcer to compete with and eventually replace the 31-year-old Casemiro would also be welcomed with open arms.
Will Manchester United move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi?
Barcelona are on the lookout for something similar; Camp Nou legend Sergio Busquets seeing his departure announced earlier in the month.
Barca are in talks with Wolves’ Ruben Neves but, according to ESPN, the suspicion is that Xavi would prefer to bring Zubimendi to the Camp Nou instead.
Suspicions Xavi may now have confirmed.
“Zubimendi is an extraordinary ‘pivot’. He dominates the game with and without the ball,” Xavi tells Sport.
“He wins duels. He’s an extraordinary footballer in that position. He understands the model that we like at Barca.”
The smart money, however, may be on Zubimendi staying put in San Sebastien for a further 12 months. A £52 million release clause is a little on the expensive side both for a Manchester United side facing Financial Fair Play pressures, and a Barcelona team who will once again have to sell before they can buy.
What’s more, Zubimendi is clearly in no rush to leave a Sociedad hoping to reach the Champions league for the first time since going head-to-head with David Moyes’ United a decade ago.
“I have never said that I want to leave Real,” Zubimendi explains “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.”
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