Barcelona have reportedly been told to shell out a sum of €60 million if they wish to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer.
According to SPORT, Real Sociedad are demanding Barcelona pay the entire release clause amount of €60 million to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window.
Zubimendi came through the youth ranks at Real Sociedad and has grown into a mainstay in the middle of the park for the Basque outfit. So far, the 23-year-old has made 97 appearances for the Spanish club, scoring and assisting two goals apiece. A defensive midfielder by trade, he has also broken into the Spanish national team, making his debut in June earlier this year.
The Spaniard has been an ever-present figure in the lineup for Real Sociedad this season, racking up 45 appearances across all competitions. His rapid growth in San Sebastian has not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona taking an interest in Zubimendi.
Barcelona are in the market for a new midfield signing despite having already secured the services of Franck Kessie, who will be arriving on a free transfer from AC Milan in the summer. The Blaugrana are keen on finding a player for the pivot position in the centre of the park as they look to bring an adequate cover for captain Sergio Busquets.
With the veteran midfielder set to turn 34 soon, it is important for Barcelona to lay down a succession plan for him at the earliest. And as per the report, Zubimendi is one of the options that the Catalan heavyweights are looking at as a long-term successor for Busquets, along with AS Monaco prodigy Aurelien Tchouameni and Wolves mainstay Ruben Neves.
Zubimendi’s La Liga experience could count in his favour. But, as per the report, the 23-year-old has a release clause worth €60 million in his contract, and Real Sociedad are insisting that Barcelona pay the full amount if they want to sign the Spanish international in the summer transfer window.
With his contract expiring in 2025, Real Sociedad have the upper hand in any potential negotiations. And given Barcelona’s financial situation, it might be unlikely that they would be willing to meet the €60 million valuation for Zubimendi.
