**Barcelona Eyes Martín Zubimendi as Key Target in Summer Transfer Window**
Key Takeaways:
- Martín Zubimendi has emerged as FC Barcelona’s top midfield target for the upcoming transfer window.
- Xavi is seeking a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets, and Zubimendi fits the profile.
- Real Sociedad is reluctant to sell, pointing to the midfielder’s €60 million release clause.
Barcelona — Spain international Martín Zubimendi has become a trending name after reports confirmed FC Barcelona has intensified its pursuit of the Real Sociedad midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old defensive midfielder is seen by the Catalan club as a prime successor to legendary pivot Sergio Busquets, whose absence has left a gap in Barça’s style and structure this past season.
Barcelona Makes Zubimendi a Summer Priority
Multiple Spanish sports outlets including SPORT and Mundo Deportivo have reported over the past 48 hours that FC Barcelona is preparing to reignite their interest in Zubimendi in June. The club had previously analyzed a potential transfer during the January window but was put off by the player’s high valuation and reluctance to leave mid-season.
However, with the 2023/24 season nearing its end and manager Xavi Hernández having confirmed his future with the club, Barça’s transfer strategists are aligning for a summer push. Zubimendi, under contract at Real Sociedad until June 2027, has a release clause of €60 million—an amount Barcelona may struggle to meet outright due to ongoing financial restrictions imposed by La Liga’s salary cap rules.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Zubimendi is not actively seeking a move but is open to the idea of joining a team that can offer Champions League football and a clearly defined tactical role. FC Barcelona believes he fits perfectly into their positional play style and long-term rebuilding plan.
Why Zubimendi Stands Out
Zubimendi has been a pivotal figure in Real Sociedad’s midfield under manager Imanol Alguacil. Known for his tactical intelligence, pressing resistance, and positional discipline, he ranked among La Liga’s top midfielders in key metrics such as pass completion, interceptions, and distance covered over the last two seasons.
In the current season, he has made 34 appearances across all competitions and was called up to the Spanish national team under manager Luis de la Fuente, reinforcing his international profile. His playing style shares similarities with Busquets, combining calm ball distribution with a defensive anchor role, making him uniquely suited for Barça’s midfield triangle.
Real Sociedad values him not just for his ability but also as a club-grown talent and leader. The Basque outfit has repeatedly insisted they will refer to the 25-year-old’s €60 million release clause in any negotiations, with Sociedad’s president Jokin Aperribay stating recently, “If a club wants Zubimendi, they know what they must do.”
Transfer Challenges Amid Financial Fair Play
Barcelona faces notable hurdles in trying to secure this marquee signing. Although the club is eager to secure Zubimendi ahead of rivals such as Bayern Munich and Arsenal—both of whom have scouted the player—its available transfer budget remains uncertain.
La Liga’s strict financial controls continue to limit Barcelona’s capacity to make major signings without offloading players first. Wages and income are being carefully recalibrated to comply with salary cap stipulations. The departures of players like Sergi Roberto or fringe squad members could free up room, while ongoing talks with Amazon and Nike for new sponsorship deals may also boost financial options in July.
Nonetheless, club insiders suggest that Barcelona’s president Joan Laporta sees Zubimendi as the “strategic piece” to complete a long-term midfield setup with Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong.
Looking Ahead to a High-Stakes Negotiation
The coming months will be crucial as Barcelona must balance its ambition with financial realism. The club’s inability to secure a permanent Busquets replacement this season forced stop-gap solutions including using De Jong in an unnatural role. Bringing in Zubimendi would not only solidify the team structurally but also send a strong signal that Barcelona is serious about competing at the highest level across Europe again.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad is unlikely to entertain any discount negotiations, especially with a potential Champions League finish strengthening their economic position. If no agreement is reached, Barcelona may try to trigger the player’s release clause outright, pending proceeds from outgoing transfers or external revenue boosts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is martín zubimendi trending?
A: He is trending because FC Barcelona has reignited talks to sign the Real Sociedad midfielder, viewing him as a key addition for their summer rebuild.
Q: What happens next?
A: Barcelona is expected to open formal discussions with Zubimendi’s representatives in May, while working on clearing financial space for a potential €60M transfer.
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