Hansi Flick has reportedly told Barcelona president Joan Laporta to prioritise signing 25-year-old Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad this year.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Martin Zubimendi is the subject of interest from Barcelona. Hansi Flick is driving the Catalan club’s move for the Real Sociedad midfielder, with the German tactician asking Joan Laporta to prioritise securing his services this year. The Spanish international has a release clause worth €60 million in his contract, with Liverpool and Real Madrid also vying for his signature.
Martin Zubimendi and his career trajectory
Martin Zubimendi has been one of the best midfielders in La Liga in the last few seasons. The Spaniard had to bide his time before establishing a foothold in the first-team squad at Real Sociedad and did not make his senior bow in his teens. However, he has not looked back since becoming a regular for the Basque outfit.
The 25-year-old has turned out over 200 times thus far for Real Sociedad while chipping in with nine goals and nine assists. Meanwhile, the UEFA Euro 2024 winner’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Barcelona.
A man in demand
Liverpool attempted to sign the Spanish international in the summer transfer window before the deal failed to see the light of day. The continued interest is understandable, as Arne Slot wants more options for his midfield unit. With the Liverpool manager not trusting Wataru Endo, the Real Sociedad midfielder is a viable target to replace the former VfB Stuttgart captain.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s interest in Martin Zubimendi makes sense. Toni Kroos has left a gaping hole in the midfield unit, while Aurelien Tchouameni faces an uncertain future at the Santiago Bernabeu. While the Spaniard will not be a like-for-like replacement for either player, he can be a top-notch addition to the Real Madrid midfield.
As for Barcelona, Marc Casado has been a revelation this season. However, the young midfielder is not a finished article yet, and the Catalan giants need an alternative to him amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term future of Frenkie de Jong. So, Zubimendi is a viable target, with Hansi Flick asking Barcelona president Joan Laporta to prioritise a move for him this year.
A winter move will unlikely see the light of day, even though suitors can secure his services by triggering the release clause worth €60 million in Zubimendi’s contract with Real Sociedad. It will be interesting to see if Hansi Flick gets his wish or if Real Madrid or Liverpool can beat Barcelona to the 25-year-old Spanish international.
