I warned him not to join Manchester United, but he went and accepted their offer. Let’s see if his career won’t end like that of Antony and Casemiro,” Manchester City star Rodri confirmed that his £60M Spanish teammate has agreed to personal terms with Manchester United to join next week.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has recently voiced concerns over players considering a move to Manchester United, citing the uncertain paths of Antony and Casemiro as cautionary tales. Despite these reservations, it seems that his fellow Spanish teammate, valued at £60 million, is on the brink of joining Manchester United after agreeing to personal terms with the club.
Reports emerging from Spain indicate that Manchester United is preparing an initial bid of £37.8 million to secure the services of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Zubimendi, who has a release clause set at £50.5 million, is seen as a crucial target for the Red Devils as they seek to bolster their midfield options.
The pursuit of Zubimendi underscores Manchester United’s determination to strengthen their midfield, with a specific focus on pairing him alongside emerging talent Kobbie Mainoo. Leading the charge in this transfer bid is Jim Ratcliffe, signaling a serious intent to secure the 25-year-old’s signature. Zubimendi is currently under contract with Sociedad for another three years, which includes the aforementioned release clause.Real Sociedad, affectionately known as Txuri-Urdin, have made it abundantly clear that Zubimendi will only depart if his release clause is fully activated, emphasizing their stance on his value and importance to the team.
Martin Zubimendi’s versatility is a key asset, predominantly operating as a No.6 where he excels both defensively and in dictating play from deep midfield. His ability to seamlessly transition into a central midfield role adds to his allure, showcased by his impressive performances in 31 La Liga appearances last season, where he contributed directly to five goals. His growing influence has earned him six caps for the Spanish national team, a testament to his rising stature in European football.With Zubimendi currently involved in Spain’s squad for the European championships, any potential move to Manchester United is expected to materialize after the tournament concludes next month. This timing allows for a focused approach from both clubs, ensuring clarity and commitment to the transfer negotiations.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Zubimendi stems from their urgent need to fill the void left by the departure of Casemiro, a pivotal figure in defensive midfield. Zubimendi’s profile suggests he could seamlessly fit into this role, potentially forming a dynamic partnership with Kobbie Mainoo in midfield for the Red Devils.As discussions progress, the pivotal question looms large: should Manchester United trigger the £50.5 million release clause to secure Martin Zubimendi? This decision carries significant implications for both clubs and could shape the landscape of midfield dynamics at Old Trafford for years to come. The deliberation underscores the careful balance between financial investment and strategic reinforcement as United seek to regain their competitive edge in domestic and European football.
