In his search for a replacement for Sergio Busquets, Barça coach Xavi has apparently identified Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as his preferred candidate.
At FC Barcelona, an era is expected to end in 2023. Then Sergio Busquets could leave the Blaugrana. Barça is already looking for a successor. In Martin Zubimendi, coach Xavi is said to have already identified a preferred candidate.
As soon as the summer transfer phase is over, in which Barça invested heavily, people in Catalonia are already thinking about the next one. Or rather: the next but one. Regardless of this, the midfield should be further strengthened.
In any case, coach Xavi would need a successor for the midfield strategist. Traded last. Europe’s Footballer of the Year 2021 is in his last year of contract with Chelsea and could potentially be had on a free transfer.
Xavi and Barça bosses have Martin Zubimendi firmly in their sights
According to those close to Barça Mundo Deportivo but the focus is on the national competition. Accordingly, Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad should be the coach’s desired target. The 23-year-old Spaniard is a native of the Basques and is under contract with La Real until 2025. His current market value is estimated at 30 million euros.
In addition to Xavi, the other managers at Barça should also be convinced of Zubimendi. A possible transfer had already been discussed with his advisors before Xavi’s return. However, a deal will not be easy to implement. Zubimendi’s release clause at Real Sociedad is set at €60m. La Real would love to extend with their homegrown talent.
The contract should be loud Mundo Deportivo be extended by at least two years and in the course of this the salary will also be increased significantly. That should still be quite low at the moment. Which is why Barça classifies the (salary) costs of a transfer as low.
So far, Zubimendi had been publicly very open to a contract extension in San Sebastian. Should Barça actually get serious, the 23-year-old could quickly rethink. The big question then would be whether La Real would insist on paying the release clause and how much Barça would be willing to pay.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
