As the season comes to a close and the summer transfer market opens, FC Barcelona has one top priority: finding a midfield pivot.
Since Sergio Busquets’ departure from the Catalan club, this position has been a noticeable weakness in Xavi’s team, and the Blaugranes specifically want two players to fill it: Joshua Kimmich and Martin Zubimendi.
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The latter of these players is Xavi’s favorite for this job, and he has wanted to have him in his squad since last summer. This year, Barcelona appears to be working again to sign the Real Sociedad midfielder, with SPORT reporting that Deco and the player’s agent spoke last Monday.
While the two parties communicated well throughout the meeting, the discussions did not create a completely rosy image for the Catalans. Barcelona informed the player’s agent that he is the top target on their list, even ahead of Kimmich.
However, it was also revealed for Barcelona in this meeting that the only way to get the midfielder would be to pay his €60 million release clause, as Zubimendi has a contract with Real Sociedad until 2027, and the club does not have any economic urgency to sell its players right now.
Thus, Zubimendi recognizes that joining Barcelona is not a viable choice for him. Other choices in the Premier League and Bundesliga are more likely for him to succeed, since both Arsenal and Bayern Munich are interested in him and have the financial resources to fulfill his release clause.
Right now, the midfielder is very happy at La Reale, but knows that he will not be able to play in the Champions League with his beloved club next season. This factor can also play a role in his decision about his future this summer.
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