Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad has been a target in recent transfer windows, but despite concerns about his future from a few Premier League teams, his performance in his team’s 4-1 loss to Manchester United has everyone in the stadium thinking the same thing.
The much sought-after midfielder, who missed the first leg due to injury, rejoined La Real’s midfield three with Pablo Marin and Brais Mendez. However, he was unable to pull up trees as Imanol Alguacil’s team was eliminated at the Round of 16.
However, how did the 26-year-old fare on Thursday night in front of Old Trafford’s glaring lights? In the wake of his engine room performance, what are fans saying? Will everyone involved find the possible tug-of-war worthwhile?
Inside the Old Trafford Display of Zubimendi
Arsenal, Liverpool, and Man City are all connected to the Spaniard.
First, Liverpool expressed interest in the midfield player after their bid was turned down in the summer of 2024. The Spaniard was being watched by Manchester City, and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal was also very interested in signing him.
His numbers don’t make for pleasant reading throughout the course of his 90-minute show. As he and his teammates battled to find their rhythm, he took zero shots, either on or off target, and was accurate in only 82% (31/38) of his passing.
The 15-cap Spain international lost possession nine times overall owing to Ruben Amorim’s team’s all-action style, and his 50% duel success percentage (½) does not demonstrate that he can handle the pressures of the Premier League.
The holding midfielder is no longer being pursued by Arne Slot and his group, according to a recent report by Ben Jacobs of GIVEMESPORT. However, he disclosed that Arsenal is currently negotiating a potential Zubimendi deal.
As of right now, in mid-March 2025, the Euro 2024 winner is committed to the Reale Arena until the summer of 2027. With several clubs interested in him, most notably Arsenal, there is a good chance he may shorten his tenure and depart this summer.
Fans React to Zubimendi’s Performance
‘I’m taking Wharton or Bruno G all day’
Zubimendi’s performance against the victorious Red Devils was the ideal chance to do some personal reconnaissance, as most Premier League club supporters rely on midweek European football to witness international players in action.
One Arsenal supporter took to X (previously Twitter) to argue that Zubimendi, who is now considered as one of the finest players in the Europa League, is not what the north Londoners need to keep contending for the English top division championship.
Our issues cannot be solved by Zubimendi.
One Manchester City fan said, “Zubimendi’s kinda average,” while another maintained that Bruno Guimaraes or Adam Wharton are far superior choices. “All day, I prefer Bruno G or Wharton to Zubimendi.”
“Zubimendi is one of the most unoriginal football players you will ever come across. As they mentioned the variety of interest in his autograph over the years, another fan remarked, “The fuss is incredible.” “I’m not moved by Zubimendi,” wrote a final fan, keeping it simple.
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