Manchester United could have a trump card as they eye up Barcelona target Martin Zubimendi this summer. United are reportedly looking at the Spain midfielder as a potential alternative if their move for Manuel Ugarte falls through.
The Red Devils seem to be on the brink of securing Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, with personal terms said to be agreed upon. However, Ugarte himself has previously expressed a desire to stay in Paris, casting some doubt over the transfer's finalisation.
Should United hit a snag in their pursuit of the Uruguayan, Real Sociedad's Zubimendi could be the next in line. Despite playing a back-up role to Fabian Ruiz and Rodri at Euro 2024, Zubimendi stepped up in the final against England when the latter was sidelined due to injury at half-time.
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Now ex-Barcelona head coach Xavi has praised Zubimendi, hailing him as an "extraordinary defensive midfielder" and saying he fits with Barca's style, both in possession and out of it. "I like all of Real Sociedad," Xavi admitted back in May.
"They mirror a bit our style of play. Zubimendi is an extraordinary defensive midfielder, he understands the model we like at Barca, he dominates with and without the ball."
However, Zubimendi’s £50million release fee is reportedly proving a stumbling block for the Catalan giants, which could open the door for United, who may have the ace up their sleeve in the shape of his favoured squad numbers, three and four, which are both vacant at present.
Sofyan Amrabat donned the No 4 shirt last season and could return, with Erik Ten Hag set to discuss making his loan move permanent with sporting director Dan Ashworth. Zubimendi will hope that isn't the case and will still have his dream shirt number available if and when United come calling. The No 3 shirt, meanwhile, has been vacant since Eric Bailly left the club.
During the Euros, when probed about his career plans, Zubimendi said: "Where am I going to play next season? I'm going to be at Real Sociedad. I have a contract with Real Sociedad and that's where I'm most comfortable."
However, that resolve may waver if United decide to activate his release clause. The club's summer spending power is somewhat capped, having already splashed over £85m on Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro, although the sale of Mason Greenwood to Marseille has offset some of the financial burden.
Amid the speculation linking Ugarte and Zubimendi with United, Ten Hag has stressed he wants to hang onto another midfielder, Scott McTominay, who is under contract until next summer. Asked about the Scotsman’s future, the Dutchman said: “We have very good players so there will always be an interest from other clubs.
“When you score 10 goals in a season and also perform very good for Scotland, then there will be an interest. But we want to keep him because he is a very important player for our squad."
