In what promises to be one of the most high-profile transfer battles of the 2025 summer window, Real Madrid have reportedly joined a long list of elite clubs interested in signing Martin Zubimendi, the highly coveted Real Sociedad midfielder. Martin Zubimendi, who has impressed on both the domestic and international stage, has become one of the most sought-after players in European football. The news of Real Madrid’s interest only adds to the growing competition from top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, all of whom have been monitoring the 25-year-old for some time.
Martin Zubimendi’s meteoric rise from a local talent in San Sebastián to a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024-winning team has made him one of the standout midfielders of his generation. Known for his exceptional technical ability, vision, and tactical intelligence, Martin Zubimendi has earned widespread admiration from football fans, pundits, and coaches alike. His ability to control the tempo of a match and dictate play from the heart of midfield has made him a natural successor to some of the game’s greatest midfield maestros.
But as the interest in Martin Zubimendi intensifies, the question remains: which club will secure his signature, and will his release clause, set at a modest €60 million (£50 million), be the deciding factor in his next move?
Martin Zubimendi’s Rise to Prominence
Before discussing his potential suitors, it’s important to understand how Martin Zubimendi has evolved into one of Europe’s most highly-rated midfielders. Born and raised in San Sebastián, Martin Zubimendi’s career trajectory has been one of steady progression. He didn’t make his debut for Real Sociedad’s first team until he was 20 years old, yet his impact was immediate. A player with a keen tactical mind and exceptional passing range, Martin Zubimendi soon became an integral part of the La Real midfield.
Martin Zubimendi is primarily a holding midfielder, but his game is far from limited to defensive duties. He’s known for his excellent positional awareness, which allows him to break up opposition attacks and regain possession for his team. What sets him apart from other defensive midfielders is his distribution: Martin Zubimendi is highly capable of switching the play, dictating the tempo, and even contributing to the attack with well-timed forward passes. His four league goals last season demonstrate his ability to contribute offensively, a rare quality in a player in his role.
Internationally, Martin Zubimendi’s rise to prominence has been even more rapid. As a member of the Spain national team, he played a vital role in their triumph at Euro 2024, further cementing his status as one of the top midfielders in Europe. His performances on the continent have drawn the attention of several elite clubs across Europe, with many seeing him as a player capable of making an immediate impact at the highest levels.
The Battle for Martin Zubimendi: A Premier League Affair
Since his breakthrough, Martin Zubimendi has attracted the interest of several top clubs, particularly from the Premier League, and it is no surprise that some of England’s biggest clubs are lining up for his signature.
Arsenal’s Pursuit of Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal have been one of the first Premier League clubs to take an active interest in the midfielder. The Gunners, under Mikel Arteta, have built a squad based on high technical quality and midfield dominance, making Martin Zubimendi a natural fit. Arteta’s tactical approach has often seen his midfielders tasked with not only breaking up opposition play but also controlling possession and dictating the tempo. In this regard, Martin Zubimendi’s attributes align perfectly with Arsenal’s style of play.
Arsenal’s interest in Martin Zubimendi goes back well over a year, with reports suggesting that Arteta sees the Spanish international as a key player for the club’s future. Martin Zubimendi’s ability to operate as both a deep-lying playmaker and a defensive anchor makes him the ideal candidate to help Arsenal build their midfield around. Should the Gunners make a move, Martin Zubimendi would provide them with the depth and quality needed to compete in both domestic and European competitions.
Manchester City and Martin Zubimendi: The Perfect Fit?
Manchester City are another club that have reportedly kept a close eye on Martin Zubimendi. Under Pep Guardiola, City’s midfield has become one of the most dominant forces in world football, but there are growing concerns that the squad is starting to age, particularly in the midfield area. The likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Rodri, and Ilkay Gundogan have been instrumental to City’s success, but their ages are beginning to show. Martin Zubimendi, with his intelligent positioning and impressive technical skill, is seen as a perfect candidate to refresh City’s midfield.
Martin Zubimendi’s ability to operate in a similar role to Rodri, who has been a key player for City, makes the Spanish midfielder a natural heir to the defensive midfield position at the Etihad. City’s financial muscle and their ability to offer a place in one of the world’s top teams make them a formidable rival in the race for Martin Zubimendi.
Liverpool’s Persistent Interest
Despite Martin Zubimendi opting to stay at Real Sociedad last summer, Liverpool have continued to monitor his situation. The Reds were reportedly on the verge of securing a deal for Martin Zubimendi last year, but the midfielder chose to stay in La Liga for further development. However, it’s widely believed that Jurgen Klopp and his recruitment team have not given up on the idea of bringing the Spain international to Anfield.
Liverpool’s midfield has been undergoing a transformation, with long-serving players like James Milner and Jordan Henderson moving on in recent seasons. The need for fresh talent has been clear, and Zubimendi fits the bill. His intelligence on the ball, combined with his ability to win possession and break up opposition play, would provide the perfect balance alongside Liverpool’s more attacking midfielders.
Real Madrid Enter the Race for Zubimendi
Now, the Spanish giants Real Madrid have thrown their hat into the ring, making their interest in Zubimendi known. According to reports from Spanish media, AS, Real Madrid are eyeing the 25-year-old as a potential long-term successor to club legend Toni Kroos, who retired last summer after a stellar career at the club.
Zubimendi’s profile aligns closely with that of Kroos: a deep-lying playmaker with exceptional passing range, intelligence, and vision. Since Kroos’ departure, manager Carlo Ancelotti has struggled to replace the German maestro’s influence in the midfield. Aurelien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde have been rotated through the role, but neither has consistently replicated Kroos’ unique contribution.
Real Madrid’s interest in Zubimendi comes at a time when the club is looking to refresh its midfield and secure a player who can dominate the game for the next decade. The fact that Zubimendi’s release clause is set at just €60 million (£50 million) makes him an even more attractive proposition for Real Madrid, especially given the current financial climate in football.
What’s Next for Zubimendi?
The race for Martin Zubimendi’s signature promises to be one of the most competitive transfer sagas in the coming months. As Real Sociedad’s sporting director Roberto Olabe has confirmed, any potential move for Martin Zubimendi will have to wait until the summer of 2025, as the midfielder is not expected to leave before then.
While Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City have long been linked with the midfielder, the arrival of Real Madrid into the race adds a new dimension to the transfer battle. Given the club’s financial strength and its appeal to players, Real Madrid will undoubtedly be a formidable competitor.
Martin Zubimendi’s future is likely to be one of the most talked-about stories in the transfer market, and his next move could have a significant impact on the landscape of European football. The question remains: will he stay in La Liga and continue his development with Real Sociedad, or will he take the leap and join one of Europe’s footballing giants? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – the future of Martin Zubimendi is one to watch closely in 2025.
