ZUBIMENDI IS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
Zubimendi is also worth 60 million and plays in the most needed position at FC Barcelona
Published:12/08/2024 - 19:26h
Updated:12/08/2024 - 19:26h
Once the signing of Nico Williams has been ruled out, and with enough players to cover the left wing, it is surprising that Barcelona does not bet on the signing of Zubimendi and assumes the risk of not reinforcing the most delicate position of the team
After finishing the last match of the tour of the United States against AC Milan, Hansi Flick sent a strong message about the arrival of a reinforcement for the FC Barcelona pivot. The German coach had come to the conclusion that he does not need to sign any players for this area of the field.
The Barça coach has up to 11 alternatives for the midfield. Five midfielders who were already there last season (Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Pedri, Gündogan and Fermín), one who returns from loan (Pablo Torre), two from the reserve team (Marc Casadó and Marc Bernal) and the option of centre-back Andreas Christensen for the pivot.
Hansi Flick is satisfied with the 'irruption' of the duo formed by the 'Marcs'. However, placing all the responsibility on a centre-back and two young players from the youth team could be a very dangerous decision. Dispensing with a specialist in that position does not seem like a good idea, just ask Xavi Hernandez, who last season played without one and paid a very high price. His Barça team was one of the most scored against in recent years.
Zubimendi not yet signed
The Times reports that Real Sociedad are demanding that Liverpool pay the 60 million euro buy-out clause for the 26-year-old pivot, which is coincidentally the same amount that Nico Williams cost. The quality that the midfielder possesses will be a real luxury for Hansi Flick's team.
The player has established himself as one of the best in his position, as he showed in the Euro 2024 final when he replaced Rodri Hernández at half-time. The player more than fulfilled his role in a 'hostile' context and made it clear that he is ready for the elite. His arrival would also allow players like Marc Casadó or Marc Bernal, who will only be facing their first season in the first team, to develop with less pressure. For these reasons, Martín would fit perfectly both sportingly and financially, so Barça should seriously consider this option.
If the player's departure to the Premier League were to materialise, FC Barcelona would be left without the option of signing the midfielder who best fits into the Blaugrana scheme. The player has been on the Catalans' radar for several years, but Hansi Flick is incomprehensibly reluctant to bet on him.
