Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe is confident they will retain Martin Zubimendi next month as he claimed he “doesn't expect a January scare.”
The Spanish midfielder has attracted attention from across Europe as he continues to shine for La Liga. He was part of the squad that claimed the 2024 European Championship last summer. He came on for the injured Rodri in the final and put in a confident performance.
Liverpool were strongly linked with his services but ultimately missed out as Sociedad remained determined to keep their player. Now it looks like Manchester City could join the party as they desperately look for new faces to revive their faltering campaign.
With Rodri out for most of the year, Zubimendi is seen as an ideal replacement at the base of midfield, but San Sebastian leaders are confident their player will remain in place despite the clauses in his contract.
Olabe told Estadio Deportivo: “There is little peace of mind about the clauses, but during this time Martín himself has shown us that above the clauses is the will. So far we have seen how he has behaved, I do not foresee any fear. in January,” he said.
Zubimendi himself is aware of the interest in him as Arsenal are also credited with pursuing the 25-year-old. He has experience in the Champions League, which only adds to his appeal, but he insists he will settle any speculation about him in the new year.
“There will always be rumors and now that January is approaching there will be rumors again, but I don't waste energy on outside noise. I'm happy with the way I'm handling it and I'm dealing with it,” he said.
Last summer, Zubimendi spoke to Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil, whose timely memories of life in Spain helped guide his rejection from Liverpool. The La Liga players were keen to keep their youth star and discussed the changes he would experience outside of football if he moved to Merseyside.
The 25-year-old and Alguacil had several encounters with the manager leaning on emotion. He discussed the quality of life he currently experiences in San Sebastian. An avid hiker, Zubimendi reminded him of his ideal life in the shadow of the Ulia Mountains and how he would miss the Basque cuisine he grew up with.
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