It may have been a little late, but as the saying goes, better late than never. And that seems to be what is happening with Martín Zubimendi and Real Madrid, who could join forces next season. The Basque footballer seemed to have a deal with Arsenal, negotiations appeared to be closed, and all that was missing was the player’s signature. But that is not the case, and the player could change his mind.
Xabi Alonso, key player. Zubimendia shines with Spain
There will be those who know well the midfielder who has led Real Sociedad’s midfield and made Rodri forgotten with Spain, but many will have barely seen him play on the pitch. So Spain’s last two games in the Nations League, the victory over France and the defeat to Portugal on penalties, may have been a kind of introduction to Madrid fans of what the player is capable of offering.
He was one of the most outstanding players in both games for the national team, offering great mobility in midfield, making the best decisions at all times, moving the team forward with short and long passes, and breaking lines with his dribbling. All this was accompanied by the defensive commitment that is essential in modern football. He also had the reward of scoring a goal, although this is not usual for him, and it was not enough for De la Fuente’s team to retain their titles.
But if there was anyone who had doubts or did not know the player’s characteristics, they now do, and he showed, knowing he was in the spotlight, that he is ready to take the step up to a big club, a giant in this case, such as Real Madrid.
Xabi Alonso, key to Zubimendi’s arrival
Zubimendi seemed to have his destiny already decided, and perhaps he did: negotiations with Arsenal are well advanced, and everything indicated that, after these latest international commitments, the player would head to London to finalize his contract.
Real Madrid’s interest is nothing new, but it was the arrival of Xabi Alonso that changed everything. The childhood idol now wants to take him away, which is saying something. Zubimendi grew up with a role model, he became a midfielder because he dreamed of playing where Xabi Alonso did, and now he has the opportunity to play under him at the most important club in the world, so he’s not going to change his mind.
Real Madrid needs a player like Zubimendi, with his characteristics, and given the alternatives on the market, there seems to be no better option. Good, attractive, and “cheap.” The Whites will have to pay the €60 million release clause, the same amount Arsenal was going to pay, or try to negotiate a transfer or loan with Real Sociedad to reduce costs. That is the situation right now,
Zubimendia, Club World Cup almost impossible
The signing, if it goes ahead, would be for next season barring any major surprises. There are only a few hours left before the registration period for new players for the Club World Cup closes (at 7pm Spanish time), although there is still the option of the second window, from June 27 to July 3. But it seems that it could not be done so quickly.
But Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso are going all out for Zubimendi: with the Basque coach at the helm, they will try to convince the midfielder not to miss out on an opportunity that may never come again. The Premier League option is appealing, but that door is more open, while the chance to lead the midfield of a club that is competing for everything may be too good to turn down.