Manchester United has entered the race to sign €60 million Barcelona long term midfield target.
According to a Mundo Deportivo report, Manchester United is prepared to join the competition to sign Martin Zubimendi, who is a target for Barcelona. However, Real Sociedad are confident that they will be able to hold onto the midfielder during the winter transfer window.
Zubimendi, a defensive midfielder by trade, is Xavi’s pick to take Sergio Busquets’ place at Barcelona. The Catalans are looking for a long-term replacement because the veteran’s contract expires in the summer of 2023, and the La Real ace is at the top of their list.
Zubimendi has already been questioned about Barcelona’s interest in him, so he is well aware of it. However, he just signed a 2027-year extension to his Sociedad contract.
Though his €60 million release clause was unaffected, the extension most likely means Sociedad will have no wiggle room.
Ruben Neves, a midfielder for Wolverhampton Wanderers, is another player that Barça is keeping an eye on as a possible target. Since his contract expires in the summer of 2024, acquiring him will also be simpler than acquiring Zubimendi.
Wolves might therefore be forced to negotiate a lower price when selling the Portuguese star.
Neves is not Xavi’s top choice for the defensive midfield position, despite Joan Laporta’s preference for the midfielder. The storied Barcelona player has made it clear to the administration that he prefers Zubimendi.
Busquets wants to leave for the MLS next summer, but he is also attempting to persuade him to extend his contract.
In a Sociedad squad that is vying for a spot in the Champions League next season, Zubimendi is the undisputed starter at the moment. If he signs with Manchester United, he will have to compete with Casemiro, who has been outstanding over the past few weeks, for a spot.
In any case, this story will probably continue before the winter transfer window even though a transfer outside of Spain seems unlikely until someone activates the player’s buy-out clause.
