Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is seemingly looking to bolster his midfield ranks this summer, amid reports that the Red Devils are eyeing a move for Real Sociedad ace Martin Zubimendi.
What’s the word?
According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs – in his CaughtOffside daily briefing – the Old Trafford outfit are said to be one of the clubs who are in the mix for the 24-year-old, with the Spain international potentially up for grabs at the end of the season due to his €60m (£53m) release clause.
The transfer insider stated: “Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi will draw plenty of summer interest, too. He’s so calm on the ball and an intelligent defender, who also wins his fair share of aerial duels and second balls. Suitors in January were told to pay Zubimendi’s €60m release clause or no deal would be done. And the player himself wasn’t really pushing for a move. He only signed a new five-year deal at the club in October.
“But a transfer is very possible come summer, especially considering Zubimendi wasn’t willing to have his release clause raised. That makes him attainable on the market. Barcelona coach Xavi also admires Zubimendi, though it remains to be seen if the finances are workable to proceed. Keep an eye on Tottenham and Manchester United as well.”
This follows reports heading into the January transfer window suggesting that United were “tracking” the one-cap Spaniard, albeit with the club ultimately securing the low-cost, short-term signing of Marcel Sabitzer.
Man United’s own Kroos
Zubimendi has caught the attention of clubs across Europe as a result of his standout form in La Liga in recent times, with the San Sebastian native already racking up 123 appearances for Sociedad since rising up through the youth ranks.
The current campaign has proven particularly impressive for the 5 foot 11 maestro as he has showcased his ball-winning brilliance after averaging 1.8 tackles per game and winning 71% of his aerial duels in 19 league appearances, having also caught the eye when the two teams met at the Theatre of Dreams in the Europa League in September.
That 1-0 win for the visitors saw the “special” talent – as lauded by Spanish football expert Sid Lowe – prove a truly effective screen in front of the back four, having recorded five interceptions and won three of his four duels, losing possession only three times from his 56 touches.
It should also bode well for Ten Hag and co that the Spaniard has been compared to Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the experienced German having previously been described as “one of the best in the world in his position” by former Los Blancos manager Zinedine Zidane.
The 33-year-old – who reportedly came close to a move to Manchester back in 2014 – has enjoyed a glittering career at the elite level, notably being lauded as “very intelligent” by his former Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola.
That trait can also be applied to Zubimendi, who has been praised for his “intelligence” by Kulig. The Spaniard also appears to boast the quality to make things happen in the final third as he has created two big chances so far this season, compared to five for Kroos from his 17 league appearances.
It would no doubt be a real masterstroke for United if they could find their own version of the five-time Champions League winner – who has made more than 600 club career appearances and won 106 caps for his country – in the form of the Sociedad sensation.