According to latest reports, Manchester United have joined the race with FC Barcelona to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. The Red Devils are reportedly prepared to meet the release clause of the Spain international.

Martin Zubimendi is one of the key players for Imanol Alguacil’s team, making 13 starts in 14 La Liga appearances (Stat via Transfermarkt). The Spaniard just extended his contract until 2027 in October with a €60 million release clause in his contract.

Despite a bad start to the season, new manager Erik ten Hag has stabilised the United team which now sits fifth on the table. The two midfield signings of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have been integral to this revival. But after the World Cup break, if United are to fight for Champions League places, they will need some reinforcements.

The Dutch manager wants to bring in another defensive midfielder and the 23-year-old midfielder has emerged as a top target. According to AS (via Tribal Football), Manchester United are willing to pay the buyout clause for Martin Zubimendi in the January transfer window.

Meanwhile, as reported by Daily Mail, the Red Devils are ready to challenge FC Barcelona to secure the Spanish midfielder’s signature. The report states United want to sign the player as part of their 2023 squad rebuild and are prepared to pay out his release clause.

🚨 Manchester United are monitoring the situation of Real Sociedad's Spanish midfielder, 23-year-old Martin Zubimendi.
🇪🇸 🟥 #MUFC 🟦 #Sociedad pic.twitter.com/FJtjuc5ZCT

— Ekrem KONUR (@Ekremkonur) December 4, 2022

Fred is most likely to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, being deemed surplus to requirements while Scott McTominay doesn’t have the quality of being a first-team player. On the other hand, the Catalans are also pushing for Zubimendi’s signature, as Xavi Hernandez looks for Sergio Busquets’s long-term successor.

Player Analysis

Martin Zubimendi was born in San Sebastian and made his debut for Real Sociedad in 2019. He was trained in the Sociedad ‘B’ team by the legendary Xabi Alonso with whom he shares comparisons. Zubimendi has made 114 club appearances so far (stats via Transfermarkt). The former Liverpool man has praised the youngster:

“Martín’s a player all coaches would want. He’s generous, he always thinks more about his teammates than himself. He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move. He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organise, the axis. I loved working with him.”

In his first season with the Real Sociedad main team, he had an 89% pass completion rate, and he has maintained this standard in recent seasons. He supports the likes of David Silva and Mikel Merino by dictating the tempo of the game with short passes, which can swiftly transform into defence-splitting balls. The Spaniard’s role is to link the defence and the midfield and spray quick passes to keep the ball moving which helps them to maintain the tempo.

He is a crafty player that has the technical ability to play at the base of midfield formation as a number six. For teams that build from the back, he provides the outlet in tight spaces and acts as the spare man. He can switch the play or carry the ball himself out of defence.

Don Martín Zubimendi Ibáñez. 👏🎩#RealSociedadhttps://t.co/XUBxtQ8DOY

— erreala enjoyer (@errealaenjoyer) October 3, 2022

Zubimendi has been praised for his ability to read the game as he also covers for defenders in the centre-back when they are out of position. When the team is in the attacking phase, the 23-year-old is found lingering close to the final-third to prevent any counter-attacks. He makes sure that the loose ball goes back into the opposition penalty area. He also does a commendable job in the air, winning 72% of the aerial duels last season.

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Verdict

Zubimendi is definitely one of the top players in La Liga and has the potential to be as influential as Xabi Alonso was at Liverpool if he joins the Premier League. He has been monitored by the top clubs in Europe because of his all-round capabilities, which are similar to Rodri of Manchester City.

The Spanish midfielder has brilliant awareness in terms of passing into gaps, but can also break down the opposition slowly and patiently. Real Sociedad will hope that his contract keeps him at the club for the next few years as he continues his development.

But with fixtures piling up after the World Cup, an additional pair of legs such as that of Martin Zubimendi would be good at Manchester United. With the consistency of his performances, many Champions League clubs will look to get him in the next summer transfer window.

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