Barcelona rule out signing €60m midfielder; World Cup semi-finalist the preferred option

According to a report from Toni Juanmarti, Barcelona have ruled out the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer. Instead, the Catalans have now identified Sofyan Amrabat as the preferred option to bolster the defensive midfield slot.

Following the recent 0-4 loss to Real Madrid, it was reported that Barcelona had decided that it was important to sign a new pivot midfielder who can impose himself in matches and stop opposition counters.

This is regardless of whether Sergio Busquets extends his contract with the Blaugrana or not. The 34-year-old is in the final year of his deal and is yet to decide whether he will continue for one more season or not.

Irrespective of what he decides, Barcelona wish to sign a new pivot midfielder in the summer. And Zubimendi had been at the top of the wishlist for manager Xavi Hernandez to reinforce the No. 6 position.

However, his signing is no longer considered viable due to the fact that he has a massive €60 million release clause. With Real Sociedad unwilling to negotiate a lower price and Barcelona’s financial situation being as it is, a move for the Spanish international is off the table.

Amrabat the preferred Plan B

Instead, the La Liga leaders now see Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat as the most preferred option. Barcelona had pushed for his signing during the January transfer window but the Italian outfit did not budge.

However, recently, the Moroccan international’s agent confirmed that the Viola would listen to offers for him this summer.

Amrabat is understood to be keen on signing for Barcelona and the fact that his contract expires in 2024 means he could be available for a relatively lower price than Zubimendi’s €60 million clause.

The defensive midfielder rose to stardom after helping Morocco reach the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup semi-finals in Qatar. And come summer, he could be on his way to a big club, with Barcelona among the clubs keen.