Barcelona will have to shell out €60 million to sign Spanish defensive midfielder

With the transfer window fast approaching, Barcelona have earmarked several positions that need to be strengthened on a priority basis in the summer.

A new centre-forward continues to be at the top of the wishlist for manager Xavi Hernandez, with Robert Lewandowski being eyed. Another centre-back is also being considered despite the impending arrival of Andreas Christensen, while full-backs are also being sought.

The midfield department looks sorted, although the potential departure of Frenkie de Jong could force Barça into the market for a new central midfielder. Irrespective of what happens with the Dutchman, the Blaugrana are also looking for a new player in the pivot position.

Barcelona want someone to provide cover and competition for club captain Sergio Busquets before eventually replacing him in the long run. And, as per recent reports, the Catalan giants have zeroed in on Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as their preferred target for the role.

The 23-year-old is a product of the Basque club’s youth setup and has grown into a first-team regular over the past couple of years. He made 47 appearances in the season gone by and even chipped in with three goals and two assists.

Capped one time by the Spanish national team, Zubimendi is held in high regard within the country. And it seems like Barcelona see him as the right man to replace the iconic Busquets at Camp Nou in the coming years.

However, signing the midfielder from Real Sociedad could prove to be a tricky affair. Zubimendi is tied down to a long-term contract that runs until the summer of 2025.

And, according to the reliable Gerard Romero, Zubimendi has a release clause worth €60 million embedded in his contract, which Barcelona must trigger if they wish to sign him this summer.

Considering the Catalan giants’ delicate financial situation, shelling out that money on a player who is unlikely to be a starter upon arrival seems a distant possibility.

More so, considering that the Blaugrana have several other more immediate requirements like the pursuit of Lewandowski as iterated earlier, while they will also need to secure a replacement for contract rebel Ousmane Dembele.

So, it remains to be seen if Barcelona are willing to go big in their pursuit of Zubimendi as well or decide to look at cheaper alternatives.