Despite the dazzle and glitter that European giants such as FC Barcelona possess, sometimes it simply isn’t enough. The case of Martin Zubimendi is one that reflects this to the highest degree.
Xavi’s ideal candidate to replace the departing Sergio Busquets, Martin Zubimendi is a central defensive midfielder who currently occupies the pivot position for La Liga side Real Sociedad.
As per Mundo Deportivo, despite the interest from FC Barcelona, the player continues to want to play for La Real and help them reach their objective: Secure a place in the UEFA Champions League for next season.
Moreover, despite interest from even English Premier League sides Manchester United and Arsenal, teams far more financially capable than those in Spain at the moment, the 24-year-old continues his aspirations of playing in the Champions League next season with the “txuri-urdines”.
Statistically, the defensive midfielder has been ever-present for Sociedad this season. Having played in 40 of the 47 games they have played across all competitions, he was a starter in 38 of those 40. The matches in which his inclusion was not called upon were early cup games, considerably eased Europa League group games, and matches where he was suspended.
Real Sociedad continue to remain assured that the player will be at their disposal come the new season. Moreover, his price remains set at the €60 million release clause in his contract, and the cost of acquiring the player will not budge given that La Real have no intentions to negotiate a transfer of any kind. Should a team want the player, the release clause is what they have to activate.
The player continues to remain high on Xavi’s list of ideal arrivals in the summer. Yet the Barcelona target also remains one of the most difficult to achieve. It still remains to be seen just how convinced FC Barcelona are to pursue his signature, as the request by Xavi to make it a priority under all costs still remains to be catered to.
