MX23RW : Monday, January 27 01:08:08| >> :120:8503:8503:

Martin Zubimendi "very happy" at Real Sociedad amid exit talk

Martin Zubimendi
© Reuters
Martin Zubimendi says that he is "very happy" at Real Sociedad amid the ongoing speculation surrounding a possible summer move.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has said that he is "very happy" at his current club amid the ongoing speculation surrounding a possible summer exit.

The 24-year-old has been in strong form for his Basque club during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 33 occasions in all competitions, contributing one goal and three assists in the process.

Barcelona are believed to view Zubimendi as a potential replacement for Sergio Busquets, with the club captain potentially leaving Camp Nou on a free transfer this summer when his contract expires.

Meanwhile, Arsenal and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in the midfielder, who is currently with the Spain squad preparing for their Euro 2024 qualification fixtures against Norway and Scotland.

Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets on October 16, 2022© Reuters

When asked about the speculation surrounding his future, Zubimendi said that he is paying little attention to the rumours, as he is currently "very happy" at Real Sociedad.

"I have heard very little of that, because I haven't wanted to listen. I haven't wanted to listen to anything from outside (my club)," Zubimendi told reporters.

"It's normal for names to be mentioned with Busquets' possible departure (from Barcelona). It is nice for my name to be mentioned now and then, but I am concentrating on my own questions.

"It wouldn't be logical to put Real Sociedad to one side with the season that we are enjoying. I am very happy here."

Barcelona coach Xavi reacts on March 19, 2023© Reuters

Real Sociedad signed Zubimendi to a new contract last year, with the midfielder's current terms due to run until June 2027.

There is believed to be a release of €60m (£52.9m) in the agreement, but the Spaniard has said that a buy-out fee "isn't important" if a player wants to remain at their club.

"When you want to stay at a club, the release clause isn't important," he added.

Barcelona boss Xavi called Zubimendi "a great player" when questioned on him earlier this year.

"He is more physical and faster than Busi, who is better technically. But it's not just Zubimendi, it's all the players in midfield. We have a great team visiting us. Zubimendi is a great player," said the 43-year-old.

Zubimendi has made 132 appearances for Real Sociedad in all competitions since debuting in 2019, contributing four goals and five assists in the process.

ID:509615:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4141:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Martin Zubimendi

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets on October 16, 2022
Read Next:
Sergio Busquets 'makes decision on Barcelona future'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool22165154213353
2Arsenal23138244212347
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2313553327644
4Manchester CityMan City23125647301741
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle23125641271441
6Chelsea23117545301540
7Bournemouth23117541261540
8Aston Villa2310763435-137
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2381053531434
10Fulham238963431333
11Brentford2394104240231
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd2385102832-429
13Crystal Palace236982630-427
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham2376102844-1627
15Tottenham HotspurSpurs2373134637924
16Everton225891928-923
17Leicester CityLeicester2345142549-2417
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2344153252-2016
19Ipswich TownIpswich2337132147-2616
20Southampton2313191653-376


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!