With Sergio Busquets’ departure from the club confirmed FC Barcelona are looking for his possible replacements in the upcoming summer transfer window. One of the possible players who can replace the departing Spaniard is another Spanish talent, Martin Zubimendi.
According to SPORT, Zubimendi is the player that Xavi Hernandez prefers from among a number of options the club is currently considering, which include Joshua Kimmich, Ruben Neves, and Ilkay Gundogan.
The report further goes on to suggest that the subject of Mantin Zubimendi’s move to Barcelona was brought up in the meal between the representatives of the two clubs before the kick-off of the La Liga match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad.
Recently, it was reported that La Real are strict with their valuation of the player and would only consider an offer if it meets the player’s release clause of €60 million. However, things went differently in the reported meal before the match, where the executives from La Real showed a willingness to make some Barcelona players a part of the operation for Martin Zubimendi.
The representatives of Sociedad inquired particularly about the situation of Ez Abde, Nico, and Pablo Torre and indicated that they could consider one or more of these players as possible bargaining chips for the purchase of Zubimendi.
However, there are also reports from media close to San Sebastian that the Basque club is not interested in selling the midfielder, and both the club and the player are keen to remain together for the next season.
Barcelona also consider the transfer of the Spaniard as practically impossible, as the player himself has not given any assurances that he will try to bring about a move this summer.
Thus, while conflicting reports keep coming in, the transfer of Martin Zubimendi to Barcelona this summer seems extremely unlikely. This operation would be further impacted by reports of Ruben Neves coming to Barcelona and Real Sociedad qualifying for the Champions League for the coming season.
