Could Real Madrid be the reason Barcelona won’t get Martín Zubimendi?

The rumors are heating up that Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi will be heading to Liverpool, despite strong interest from FC Barcelona and Arsenal FC.

The midfielder, integral in Spain’s win in the UEFA Euro 2024 final, is one of the best defensive midfielders in his age group. Barcelona and Arsenal were both known to be huge fans, with Xavi and Mikel Arteta, their respective bosses at the time, both known to be looking to sign him.

The news at the time said that Zubimendi was not keen on leaving his hometown club, and that’s why approaches to sign him had previously failed. It was seen as a surprise then, that Liverpool are closing in on convincing him to leave.

There’s another part of the rumor which may explain why this happened. There are whispers that his ultimate goal is joining his idol, Xabi Alonso, at Real Madrid one of these days.

This could be Carlo Ancelotti’s last season in charge, which would open the door for Alonso, who famously coached Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title last season.

Alonso was a mainstay for Real Madrid as a player, and it’s assumed he will take over as coach within the next few years.

He was also a product of Real Sociedad’s academy, and a role model for Zubimendi.

We’re heading into speculative territory here, but it’s entirely possible that going to Barcelona would’ve ruined any chance of the midfielder’s ultimate goal: playing for Real Madrid under Alonso’s orders.