Martin Zubimendi is one of many talented players called up to the Spanish national team by new coach Luis de la Fuente.
Unsurprisingly, the midfielder has also been linked with a move to Barcelona, who are targeting him as a potential long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.
Speaking to the media ahead of the international break, Zubimendi has offered his thoughts on Barcelona links, along with the possibility of linking up with the likes of Pedri and Gavi in the future.
When asked about the potential midfield trio between Gavi, Pedri and him, the midfielder said (h/t Diario SPORT), “It does sound good. Unfortunately, that won’t be possible now because Pedri is injured, but maybe in the future.”
The youngster went on to praise Gavi, adding, “Yes, he is a very complete player. Both offensively, with the quality that he has, and defensively, that he is an animal, we know how he runs, he goes to the clash and now I want to enjoy him as a teammate.”
“We had only met in direct confrontations. We’ve only been there for two days, I want to get to know you more and we’ll have time to do so,” he added.
Zubimendi talked about Xavi’s praise as well, stating, “If someone like Xavi mentions my name it makes me happy.” He went on to talk about links to Sergio Busquets, claiming that he is stylistically not the same as the Barcelona veteran.
“If you compare any player to Busquets, they already lost. He is the best. We play in the same position, but we are very different. Busquets is a reference player, and he will continue to be one for a long time,” he said.
However, the Real Sociedad starlet expressed his happiness at his current club, even suggesting that his exorbitant €60 million release clause is well-justified.
“I’m very happy at Real Sociedad and I have a contract until 2027. When you’re happy at a club, the release clause doesn’t matter. I think my release clause is fair to everything else in the contract, that’s all,” he said.
Barcelona have had issues with Zubimendi’s towering price-tag. However, given the recent success of Franck Kessie, coupled with the improving prospects of a Sergio Busquets renewal, the club may afford to delay their pursuit of the Real Sociedad starlet.
