Barcelona is counting on Dutch sporting director Jordi Cruyff to conclude an important deal next summer.
According to what was reported in the newspaper “Sport”, the Catalan club is waiting for Cruyff to complete the contract with Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
This is to replace captain Sergio Busquets, who is expected to leave Barca after the end of the current season, although he recently renewed his contract with Sociedad.
Barcelona trusts Cruyff’s ability to settle this file, because of the excellent relationship he has with Zubimendi’s agent.
Cruyff has previously benefited from this relationship, with the signing of Gabonese Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Arsenal, at the lowest costs.
Xavi’s insistence was key to Barcelona not surrendering to the Real midfielder
Barcelona are preparing to make a major investment in a deep midfielder as they prepare for life without Sergio Busquets, whose contract will expire in the summer.
Barcelona has been combing the market for months and has put several names on the table for coach Xavi Hernandez. There are a variety of profiles, from more physical players to more experienced players and some are available for free in June.
More than 10 players were closely monitored by the sports department, but Martin Zubimende of Real Sociedad remains the number one target. Xavi wants him and is convinced by his positional play, his touch and his age as an alternative to Busquets.
There are no doubts within the club, but its €60m price tag raises doubts about making a mistake. The investment may be risky but Xavi did not concede.
Barcelona approached the player’s camp. Sporting director Jordi Cruyff has ramped up his contacts with Zuppimendi’s agent, with whom he has had a direct relationship for years.
Iñaki Ibáñe, Zudimendi’s agent, was also at Cruyff when he was a player. He collaborated with Barcelona on other deals as well, such as Aubameyang’s free arrival last January.
Barcelona saw Zubimendi’s latest renewal until 2027 as a good sign as his condition is still €60m. The big question is whether Barcelona will be able to negotiate that or at least agree to a payment schedule or perhaps even a player in a partial exchange.
What Barcelona does not want is for relations with Real Sociedad to become hostile. They want to come to an amicable agreement, whether it’s January or next summer, which is more natural.
Obviously, there are other options if the Zubimendi deal proves impossible. A few months ago, it looked more complicated, but there is some optimism now that a deal could be brokered.
Xavi’s insistence is strong, so Barcelona will try. The priority is Zubimendi, but don’t rule out anyone else just yet.