Manchester United could spend another transfer window competing with La Liga giants Barcelona for the signature of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi..
Last summer, the two clubs spent the entire window attempting to do business directly with each other regarding the possible sale of Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong. Despite the fact that the two clubs agreed on a fee at one point, a deal did not materialize.
This transfer window, the landscape has shifted, and United and Barcelona will compete for a player who does not yet belong to either of them. According to Sport Witness, Spanish outlet AS recently claimed that the Red Devils are considering triggering the 23-year-old midfielder’s £51 million release clause..
Fellow According to the Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona is well aware that they have competition in the form of Manchester United, who has entered the race. Erik ten Hag’s side sent scouts to watch Zubimendi in two Europa League appearances earlier this season.
Despite interest from other prestigious clubs across the continent, it is believed that Barcelona and United are leading the race for the talented Sociedad star. Ten Hag and Blaugrana boss Xavi are said to be smitten by Zubimendi’s talent.
United are expected to have an advantage over Barcelona because the Catalan giants are still financially crippled as a result of years of mismanagement..
Despite the speculation, Sociedad is said to be calm and does not expect one of their prized assets to be moved anytime soon. In fact, the club’s hierarchy expects Zubimendi to stay and help the team win some silverware and qualify for the Champions League.
Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay claims that the player wants to stay in San Sebastian. “[Zubimendi] has had many opportunities to leave Real, but he wants to stay and is a fundamental pillar,” he said.
It would be surprising if Zubimendi were to leave Sociedad in the coming seasons, whether winter or summer, given that he only recently signed a long contract..
United and Barcelona have little chance of convincing Soceidad to lower the release clause valuation, so whoever does sign Zubimendi will have to pay well over £50 million.
United already spent a significant amount of money last summer to bolster their midfield with the signing of Casemiro and the free transfer of Christian Eriksen.
However, both of those options are undeniably nearing the end of their playing careers and are not long-term signings for the Red Devils in the same way that Zubimendi would be.
In contrast, Barcelona has a number of young midfield stars, including Pedri and Gavi, who will be difficult to replace..
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