Barcelona rule out summer move for €60 million midfield target for three reasons | OneFootball

Journalist Fernando Polo, while writing for Mundo Deportivo, has affirmed that Martin Zubimendi, who happens to be one of the options Barcelona are considering to cover the defensive midfield position, is slowly dying down for several reasons.

Interestingly enough, it’s not just Zubimendi, but even their other targets, namely Guido Rodriguez and Joshua Kimmich are being left out of the plan for respective reasons.

Why are Barcelona ruling out Zubimendi?

When it comes to Zubimendi, a player Xavi holds in high regard, three significant factors cast a shadow on any potential deal for Barcelona.

Firstly, his price remains a stumbling block, with Real Sociedad stubbornly sticking to the €60 million termination clause.

Secondly, the Barcelona board is hesitant to financially support clubs within the Spanish League that have openly opposed them, particularly in light of the ‘Negreira case’ and this happens to be a reason enough for them not to pursue the young midfielder.

Barcelona no longer want to sign Martin Zubimeni. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Lastly, it must be noted that Barcelona have long been the admirers of Zubimendi and the player is well aware of the interest as well.

However, he has consistently greeted Barcelona’s interest with a notable lack of enthusiasm and unlike players like Joao Felix, and Joao Cancelo, he has made no efforts to push for a move to Catalonia and this situation is further complicated by Bayern’s current interest in securing his signature.

So what is Barcelona’s plan?

As reported before, Barcelona have identified three new targets as they look to acquire a pivot. This includes Newcastle United’s mainstay Bruno Guimaraes, Youssouf Fofana of Monaco, and Everton’s Amadou Onana.

Between the three, it is understood that the scouting department has suggested a positive report on the Everton midfielder and the Premier League side’s current battle with Financial Fair Play might force them to sell some of their star men towards the end of the season.