Manchester United are interested in Real Sociedad midfielder MartÃn Zubimendi, according to reports from Spain.
Mundo Deportivo affirms that the Red Devils are prepared to fight against FC Barcelona for the Spaniard, of whom Xavier Hernández is also a great admirer.
The 23-year-old recently faced United in the Europa League, while his positional acumen and defensive sense showed when the La Liga side limited Erik ten Hag’s attack to top the group.
Zubimendi only signed an extension six weeks ago, which brings his contract expiration date to June 2027.
However, Mundo Deportivo reports that his €60m release makes him an attractive proposition for United as they look to bolster their midfield.
The Company does not anticipate the player’s departure in January but, given the clause, it will not be able to prevent its number three from leaving the club in the event that a buyer shows the necessary determination.
A confident passer and competent ball carrier, Zubimendi is as comfortable in possession as he is in winning it back.
Undoubtedly, United could use some additional midfield options, with the team often looking thin despite adding Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in the summer.
The latter, in particular, has no real coverage and has shown signs of fatigue as the Red Devils’ schedule became more congested throughout October and early November.
But with Zubimendi primarily as a defensive midfielder, he probably wouldn’t be an adequate solution to United’s lack of creativity in deep areas when Eriksen is unavailable.
He will most likely be an alternative to Casemiro, who already has Scott McTominay as a backup this season.
Given United’s summer-long search for Frenkie de Jong, it would seem that if Erik ten Hag wants another midfielder, it will be more of the creative type than another ball-winner.
