Reale Arena, San Sebastian, Spain - November 4, 2021. Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi in action with SK Sturm Graz's Amadou Dante.
Manchester United are thought to be interested in signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea.
The Lowdown: Zubimendi profiled
Zubimendi, a Spain international, is primarily a defensive midfielder who can also play in a box-to-box role, and is valued at a career-high €40m by Transfermarkt.
The 23-year-old has made 115 appearances for his current employers and has been described as ‘special’ by Sid Lowe, drawing comparisons to Xabi Alonso.
His contract contains a €60m release clause, and it looks as if Erik ten Hag is keen on bolstering his midfield ranks further with a move for Zubimendi.
The Latest: Transfer update
Sports Witness relayed an update from Mundo Deportivo, who mentioned Simon Phillips’ update on Chelsea registering an interest in Zubimendi.
They claimed that Ten Hag ‘likes him a lot’ and would be more than happy to add him to his squad, however, Sociedad are confident of keeping the midfielder next month.
The Verdict: Summer move?
The Red Devils may be better off looking to add to their attacking ranks in the New Year after Cristiano Ronaldo left Old Trafford last month.
A move for Cody Gakpo failed to materialise with the Dutchman joining rivals Liverpool instead, with Ten Hag having just one out-and-out centre-forward in Anthony Martial.
Therefore, a new forward over the coming weeks could be more beneficial than signing Zubimendi, with a potential transfer then revisited in the summer.
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