Real Madrid have joined Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool in the race for the star midfielder
Real Madrid have reportedly made their way into the competitive race for sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, although the Spanish champions will face competition from a number of Premier League clubs.
Zubimendi quickly became one of the most sought-after midfielders in European football. A native of San Sebastian who didn’t make his first league debut until he was 20, Spain international has impressed at home and on the continent in recent years.
A soft-spoken, upright midfielder who scored an impressive four league goals last season, Zubimendi was on the verge of moving to Liverpool last summer just to stay at La Real. The 25-year-old explained that he felt he would develop more as a player in La Liga, but it is believed that open for movement out of his comfort zone in 2025.
While Liverpool have yet to rule out the idea of snapping up Zubimendi, Arsenal and Manchester City are also interested in the central schemer. However, Real Madrid powerhouse have now entered the suitors’ circle, according to the Spanish outlet AS.
Madrid see Zubimendi as a long-term successor Toni Kroos. The German maestro retired last summer and has not been adequately replaced. Carlo Ancelotti cycled through a combination of Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and the wisecracking Luka Modric in a desperate attempt to replicate Kroos’ unique performance, which produced mixed – at best – results.
Bad start to the 2024/25 season. – in which Madrid still collected two trophies – encouraged the club to step up its search for Zubimendi. Any move for the midfielder will have to wait until the summer – as was Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe wants to point out too much.
However, Madrid and their Premier League the rivals know what the fee will be to get Zubimendi out of San Sebastian. In a market where elite central midfielders regularly earn nine-figure sums, the Euro 2024 winner has a release clause of just €60m (£50m).
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