During the last summer transfer windows, FC Barcelona has been signing players based on what it can afford, rather than what it truly desires. The club has a list of targets, with primary choices followed by backup options. This approach has always been the norm, but given the club’s financial situation, it now makes even more sense. Technical preferences are considered alongside financial constraints, especially with La Liga’s financial regulations in place.
Just before the start of the current season, Barcelona worked hard to meet the preferences of their coaching staff. Coach Xavi Hernández had specific players in mind, as reported by MD. He was looking for a player who could create opportunities from midfield and someone to fill the gap left by Sergio Busquets’ departure.
Xavi’s first choice was Bernardo Silva, but a deal with Manchester United was not feasible. For the second option, the target was Martín Zubimendi, a 25-year-old midfielder from Real Sociedad. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus is now interested in Zubimendi as they plan for the 2025 Club World Cup, for which they have already qualified thanks to Barcelona. Reports from European sports press and MD suggest that Juventus has been monitoring Zubimendi for months, but they are hesitant due to Real Sociedad’s high valuation (at least 50 million euros).
Juventus is also concerned about competition from Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, and the strong interest from Bayern Munich. Zubimendi, under contract with Real Sociedad until 2027, has expressed his loyalty to the club, which is rare in modern football.
This content has been translated and adapted from the Spanish version of the digital newspaper
