Aheed Abrar
Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi being eyed by Manchester United and Barcelona
Manchester United are keeping an eye on Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi amidst interest from La Liga giants Barcelona, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo (h/t Mirror).
The Red Devils are prepared to battle the Blaugrana for the 23-year-old midfielder. His performances have attracted the attention of top clubs around Europe. And the Catalan outfit’s manager, Xavi Hernandez, is a big admirer of the youngster.
However, Zubimendi recently signed a new contract at La Real. His existing deal now runs until 2027. But it also includes a release clause worth €60 million, which will go to €65 million if a team opts for a move in January.
The 23-year-old has come up through the youth ranks at Sociedad. And the midfielder has his breakout season in the 2020/21 campaign. In the current campaign, the Spain international has played 16 games for the Basque Country outfit, scoring one goal and providing three assists.
Zubimendi has usually been deployed in the number six position at La Real. He played the full 90 minutes in both the Europa League group stage encounters between the Old Trafford side and Sociedad this season.
United bolstered the middle of the park in the recent transfer window with the addition of two 30-year-old midfielders in Christian Eriksen and Casemiro. The duo have been pivotal under Erik ten Hag but it’s never a bad thing to future-proof the team.
The former Real Madrid star has evidently made the engine room more robust. His defensive qualities have made us more solid. And the Brazilian has thrived after initially being kept out of the starting lineup.
Other options in the midfield include Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek. However, the trio of Casemiro, Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes have been the preferred trio in the engine room.
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However, most fans of the Red Devils lack bench strength when it comes to the middle of the park. And Zubimendi could seemingly add youthfulness and a bit more quality to the midfield at United if he is signed.
