Barcelona’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi is hindered by his €60m release clause, making a transfer unlikely despite Xavi’s endorsement.
FC Barcelona’s search for a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets has led them to Real Sociedad’s rising star, Martin Zubimendi. The highly rated defensive midfielder has been hailed as the perfect fit for the Catalan giants, with his playing style and qualities being likened to those of Busquets.
However, while Zubimendi’s potential move to Barcelona has been a topic of discussion for some time, the economic requirements behind such a transfer make it a challenging proposition for the Spanish outfit. Zubimendi’s current release clause of €60 million is a significant stumbling block for Barcelona, who are unlikely to meet such a high figure.
Despite the financial hurdles, Zubimendi remains on the radar of the Barcelona hierarchy. The 22-year-old has reportedly expressed his willingness to wait for an opportunity to join the club, although he also generates interest from the English Premier League.
Zubimendi’s contract renewal with Real Sociedad until 2027 has added another layer of complexity to any potential transfer. The Basque club is reluctant to sell one of its prized assets, and would demand a fee significantly higher than the player’s release clause to part ways with him.
While the English league may also be a destination of interest for Zubimendi, it is believed that he would prefer to continue playing in La Liga, should the right opportunity present itself.
Despite the challenges, Zubimendi’s potential arrival at the Camp Nou would undoubtedly excite Barcelona fans, who have been on the lookout for a successor to the legendary Busquets. However, whether the club can pull off such a high-profile transfer remains to be seen.