Manchester United have joined Barcelona in the chase to sign Real Sociedad star Martín Zubimendi, according to claims from Spain.
Xavi Hernández is a fan of the midfielder and wants the Catalan club to bring him to the Camp Nou. The Red Devils are now thrown into the mix along with Barca as they also like the 23-year-old.
That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who say that Manchester United are ‘following’ La Real’s star.
A month ago, the La Liga side extended the Spain international’s contract until 2027, and that deal includes a €60m release clause. The report states this figure will increase to €65m for the winter market.
The player’s renewal makes it hard to see the possibility of him leaving the club midway through the season, despite Manchester United keeping tabs on him.
Erik ten Hag’s side are currently fifth in the table and have made it to the knockout stages of the Europa League, after finishing second behind Real Sociedad in the group table.
A move to Old Trafford will see Zubimendi improve his salary, while Mundo questions whether there will any sporting improvement due to the English club’s ‘uncertain future’.
With Manchester United in the picture for Zubimendi, Real Sociedad are ‘attentive to threats’ from the Premier League. However, they are not concerned because they have no plans to sanction his sale in January.
If the Red Devils or another club are keen to sign the Spaniard, they will have to pay his release clause. That’s the only way for Real Sociedad to allow Zubimendi to change clubs in the winter market.
