MX23RW : Wednesday, December 6 18:36:06| >> :60:1708:1708:

Barcelona 'reignite interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi'

Barcelona 'reignite interest in Martin Zubimendi'
© Reuters
Barcelona reportedly reignite their interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and plan to make a move for the Spaniard in the summer of 2024.

Barcelona have reportedly reignited their interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The 24-year-old was strongly linked with a summer move to the Catalan giants, who were in the market to find a replacement for Sergio Busquets following his move to Inter Miami.

However, Zubimendi publicly ruled out a transfer to Barca, who instead recruited experienced lynchpin Oriol Romeu from Girona.

Romeu has made 16 appearances for Xavi's side so far this season, starting 11 times, but speculation has already emerged over the 32-year-old's long-term future at Camp Nou.

It is understood that Barcelona are still looking for a high-profile defensive midfielder to fill the void left behind by club legend Busquets, with Romeu seemingly acting as a stop-gap until a replacement is found.

Real Sociedad's Aihen Munoz and Martin Zubimendi celebrate after the match on October 24, 2023© Reuters

According to Sport, Barcelona will look to step up their interest in Zubimendi in the summer of 2024 and believe that it is 'essential' to lure him to Camp Nou ahead of next season.

The report adds that Xavi remains a huge admirer of the Spaniard, who possesses a €60m (£52.4m) release clause in his Real Sociedad contract which is non-negotiable according to club president Jokin Aperribay.

Sociedad are said to be aware of interest in Zubimendi and have begun the process of combing the market for a replacement in case they part ways with their star midfielder.

Barcelona are not the only club keeping tabs on Zubimendi, though, as Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest.

Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi pictured in December 2021© Reuters

A recent report claims that Bayern have joined the race for Zubimendi as Thomas Tuchel continues to search for a new defensive midfielder after missing out on the summer addition of Fulham's Joao Palhinha, who remains a target for the Bundesliga giants.

Both Arsenal and Man United have also been tipped to bolster their midfield options in the New Year, with the former expected to step up their interest in a number of targets, according to ex-Gunners midfielder Gilberto Silva.

Zubimendi has spent his entire senior career with Real Sociedad and has made a total of 161 appearances across all competitions since making his debut in 2016.

The four-cap Spain international, who is under contract at the Reale Arena until June 2027, has established himself as a first-team regular under manager Imanol Alguacil, playing the full 90 minutes in 15 matches across La Liga and the Champions League so far this season.

ID:529491:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6483:

Click here for more stories about Martin Zubimendi

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi on July 30, 2023
Read Next:
Barcelona 'preparing move for Leicester's Wilfred Ndidi'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
MLS Apple TV+ Messi promo
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal15113133141936
2Liverpool1494132141831
3Manchester CityMan City1493236162030
4Aston Villa1492333201329
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs148332820827
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle1482432141826
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd148061617-124
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton146443026422
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham146352424021
10Chelsea145452522319
11Brentford145452219319
12Wolverhampton WanderersWolves155372025-518
13Crystal Palace144461419-516
14Fulham144371626-1015
15Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest143471622-613
16Bournemouth143471630-1413
17Luton TownLuton1523101630-149
18Everton145271520-57
19Burnley1521121533-187
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd1412111139-285

MLS Apple TV+ Messi promo
New Apple Music general promo - 300x250

Subscribe to our newsletter


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!