In a recent report, Sport claimed that Barcelona have identified Real Sociedad talent Martin Zubimendi as a target. It has been mentioned that the Catalan club are eyeing a move to secure the signature of the Spanish midfield ace next year but are unwilling to meet Sociedad’s asking price for him.
Zubimendi’s Decent Form In Spanish Football This Season
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a solid campaign at the Reale Arena as he has managed to put in a few dominant displays at the centre of Sociedad’s midfield. Zubimendi has been involved in 16 matches for the Spanish club this season, netting one goal and picking up two assists in multiple competitions.
The Spanish sensation has been a reliable performer at the centre of the park based on his average of 1.6 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 1.7 clearances per game in La Liga. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from midfield after making 84.5% of his attempted passes in the Spanish top tier (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Reale Arena will expire in the summer of 2027. Therefore, Barcelona are at the mercy of Sociedad when it comes to deciding on a transfer fee for the player.
What Will Zubimendi Add To Barcelona Boss Xavi’s Side?
Zubimendi is a solid tackler of the ball and can scan the danger quickly to make a few important interceptions for his team in the middle of the park. He usually clears the danger when the opposition are on the front foot but needs to find a way to influence the game more in the final third. Zubimendi is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also operate as a box-to-box midfielder if required.
The Spaniard is a good passer of the ball as well and would be a good fit for Xavi‘s brand of football at the Nou Camp. Zubimendi is good enough to serve as a perfect replacement for Sergio Busquets who is nearing the end of his playing career at Barcelona.
We can expect Zubimendi to add more bite and steel to Xavi’s midfield at the Catalan club. At 23, he still has a lot of room to grow as a footballer and could go on to prove his worth at the Nou Camp in the coming seasons. However, it remains to be seen whether he can handle the expectations surrounding a move to Barca if Xavi decides to pay a big fee for his services next year.
