Real Sociedad boss confident of keeping Martin Zubimendi amid Barcelona talk

Real Sociedad head coach Imanol Alguacil is confident that his club will be able to keep hold of Martin Zubimendi this summer amid reports of interest from Barcelona.
The 24-year-old has again been in strong form for his Basque side during the 2022-23 campaign, making 41 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and four assists in the process.

Zubimendi helped his team record a 2-1 victory over Barcelona at Camp Nou on Saturday evening, with the result leaving La Real in a strong position to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

The White and Blues are currently fourth in the La Liga table, five points ahead of fifth-placed Villarreal with three games left to play of the 2022-23 campaign.

Zubimendi’s future remains the subject of much speculation, with Barcelona, Manchester United and Arsenal all believed to be showing an interest in his signature ahead of the summer window.

On Friday, Barcelona boss Xavi confirmed that his club would be signing a replacement for Sergio Busquets this summer and lavished praise on reported target Zubimendi.

During his press conference ahead of the clash with Real Sociedad, Xavi called Zubimendi “an extraordinary pivot” and a “top player” while hinting at his club’s interest.

However, Alguacil is confident that La Real will be able to keep hold of the Spain international beyond the end of this summer’s transfer window.

“This victory brings us closer to the Champions League,” the head coach told Marca. “I know what Zubimendi thinks and wants. I have no doubt he wants to play in the Champions League with us next year.

“Zubimendi has a contract with us, it’s the best place he can be, and he wants to be with us.”

The midfielder signed a new contract with Real Sociedad last October, and his current agreement runs until the end of the 2026-27 campaign.

However, there is allegedly a release clause of €60m (£52m) in the deal, which could lead to the Spaniard leaving the White and Blues during the summer window.

Zubimendi came through the youth system at Real Sociedad, and he has represented the Basque outfit on 139 occasions in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering five assists in the process.

La Liga champions Barcelona will be aiming to bounce back from the Real Sociedad loss when they travel to Real Valladolid on Tuesday, while Alguacil’s side face a trip to Atletico Madrid next weekend.