Real Madrid have reportedly joined Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the race to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Spanish midfielder has become one of the most sought-after targets in European football. The San Sabastian native has risen through the ranks at Real Sociedad and has caught the eye of Europe’s elite in recent seasons.
Real Madrid Want Martin Zubimendi As Toni Kroos’ Successor
According to Spanish news outlet AS, Real Madrid are eyeing up a move for Martin Zubimendi.
The report claims Los Blancos view him as the ideal successor to Toni Kroos, who retired in the summer.
Los Blancos have struggled to replace Kroos, with Carlo Ancelotti cycling through the likes of Aurelien Tchouameni, Federico Valverde and Luka Modric in a bid to fill the void left by the German.
🗞️ AS’s Cover | Zubimendi, the new Kroos: Real Madrid want to bring him to strengthen the midfield. pic.twitter.com/a4zcp2j0TQ
— Real Madrid Info ³⁶ (@RMadridInfo) December 30, 2024
But while each player has their strengths, none have provided the adequate cover to cover Kroos’ skillset.
With the January window just hours from opening, Real could test Sociedad’s resolve with a bid – but may face competition from a host of Premier League opposition.
Premier League Trio Also In The Hunt To Sign Zubimendi
With Real now reportedly in the race to sign Zubimendi, the Spanish giants will have to fend off competition from Premier League clubs.
That includes Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool. Man City are desperate for midfield reinforcements, with Rodri ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL and undergoing surgery on his knee earlier this season.
Pep Guardiola could move for Zubimendi given how well he could fill the void left by the Ballon d’Or.
Liverpool are also interested in shoring up their midfield, with the 25-year-old seen as the missing piece in Arne Slot’s side.
Martín Zubimendi's first Spain goal 🇪🇸#NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/O0aytfraFM
— UEFA EURO 2024 (@UEFAEURO) November 15, 2024
Zubimendi was on the verge of joining Liverpool last summer only to remain in LaLiga. The midfielder said he felt he’d develop more at La Real but didn’t rule out a move away in 2025.
However, any move away would likely come next summer, which Real Sociedad’s sporting director Roberto Olabe has stressed previously.
Any move for the Euro 2024 winner would come at a high price, though. It is though potential suitors would have to pay northwards of £50million for his services.
