FC Barcelona have lost their long-time pivot in Sergio Busquets and their quest to find his successor is in full flow this summer. One of the players that the club had identified for this role was Martin Zubimendi.
However, despite being reported to be Xavi’s favorite for this role, his move to Camp Nou this summer is looking increasingly unlikely each week. Firstly, Real Sociedad had refused to budge from the €60 million price tag for the player. And now, the player himself is looking more interested in continuing at La Real rather than coming to Barcelona.
As reported by Mundo Deportivo, the latest indication of his heart being set to remain at La Real was his response to one particular question in an interview with Diario Vasco. When given an option of being the successor for either the number 4 shirt of Asier Illaramendi or the number 5 of Sergio Busquets, he claimed that succeeding Illaramendi in his number 4 shirt motivates him more.
This answer quite clearly indicates the midfielder’s aspirations for his future. Still, this interview has not been the only indication of the player’s will to remain at San Sebastian for the coming seasons.
A few days ago, when Illaramendi was being given his farewell tribute, the speaker claimed that Martin Zubimendi would inherit the number 4 shirt from the departing player. Illaramendi then gave Zubimendi the number 4 shirt in front of the whole of the stadium, and the emotions of the young midfielder and the whole stadium were there to be seen by everyone.
Thus, FC Barcelona seems likely to miss out on Martin Zubimendi, as the player is committed to remaining associated with Real Sociedad for the coming years. Meanwhile, the Catalans will look at their other targets to complement their midfield and go into the next season strongly.
