Barcelona is in desperate need of a new pivot midfielder to succeed captain Sergio Busquets. At this stage, it is also widely acknowledged that manager Xavi Hernandez wants Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi to replace Busquets as the Catalans’ next defensive midfielder. According to SPORT, not all members of Barcelona’s sporting management agree with Xavi on Zubimendi.
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Disagreement between Barcelona coach Xavi and Sporting Director Deco
In fact, the club’s sports management, especially soon-to-be director Deco, is hesitant to make a move for the Real Sociedad midfielder due to his age, inexperience, and high price tag, which might prevent the Catalans from landing other targets. Despite everything, Zubimendi comes with a €60 million release clause, which La Real is unwilling to lower. While the sports management team has promised Xavi that they would make one more effort for the Spaniard’s contract, Deco and co. do not intend to go all out for his signing.
In fact, the soon-to-be sporting director is currently on the hunt for a pivot with a comparable profile but a lesser price tag. There have been rumours about Joao Palhinha, Sofyan Amrabat, and Guido Rodriguez, who is thought to be gaining weight as a replacement for Busquets. Only time will determine whom Barcelona signs to fill the position that was left by their captain’s departure. However, there does not appear to be an agreement on the capture of Zubimendi as of yet.
Gavi wants his Spanish teammate to join Barca
Barça youngster Gavi has stated that a move for target Martin Zubimendi would be a fantastic summer signing. Zubimendi, who helped Real Sociedad finish in the top four of La Liga in 2022/23, is currently heavily linked with a move this summer, with Arsenal and Barcelona also reportedly keen.
Gavi, a Spainish colleague, has now endorsed Zubimendi, saying in an interview with SPORT that he believes Zubimendi would be an ideal replacement for Busquets.
“Zubimendi is a top player. He would be a good replacement [for Busquets]. I love him. But I insist, we have to respect him and Real Sociedad. We’ll see in the future.”
Despite being widely speculated to leave Real Sociedad, Zubimendi has confirmed that he will not be leaving this summer. He said:
“Rumours, rumours. I told my agent that I didn’t want to hear anything, especially in the winter. Leaving Real Sociedad during the season we are having would be illogical. Here, I am very happy. I look forward to a quiet summer.”
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