Man Utd identify ideal midfield signing to strengthen squad | OneFootball

Manchester United Set Sights on Martin Zubimendi as Midfield Rebuild Begins

INEOS Looks to Reshape Midfield with Summer Investment

Manchester United’s summer transfer window is set to be defined by restructuring, and among the names now firmly on their radar is Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. According to GiveMeSport, the Spanish midfielder is being targeted as part of a major rebuild under Rúben Amorim.

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United’s midfield has been a glaring issue this season. Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, once seen as experienced heads to guide this squad, have struggled with the pace and intensity required for Amorim’s high-energy system. With both players expected to leave in the summer, the club is searching for a replacement who can offer dynamism, tactical intelligence, and composure in possession.

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Zubimendi’s Release Clause Makes Him a Viable Option

Zubimendi’s release clause is set at £51 million—a price that looks increasingly like a bargain in today’s inflated market. The 25-year-old, who has been labelled “one of the best midfielders in the world” by his Spain manager, is admired for his ability to dictate play from deep while also possessing the athleticism to cover ground efficiently.

United’s scouting team will get a closer look at him this week when they face Real Sociedad in the Europa League last-16 tie. With INEOS implementing a stricter financial approach, smart investments are the order of the day, and Zubimendi’s relatively modest release clause represents a financially astute move.

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Competition from Arsenal and Liverpool

United are not the only Premier League club interested in securing Zubimendi’s services. Arsenal have long been linked with the Spanish midfielder, with reports suggesting a move to North London is “extremely likely.” Liverpool also attempted to sign him last summer, only for Zubimendi to remain loyal to Real Sociedad.

However, the landscape has shifted. If United can present an enticing project under Amorim, coupled with the allure of being central to their midfield rebuild, they could yet convince Zubimendi to head to Old Trafford instead of the Emirates.

Amorim’s Tactical Vision Requires a Midfield General

One of the key reasons United are prioritising Zubimendi is the tactical balance he could bring to Amorim’s side. While Kobbie Mainoo has been a revelation this season, there remain concerns about deploying him in a deeper midfield role due to his lack of pace and stamina. Amorim wants a holding midfielder who can protect the defence while also progressing the ball efficiently.

Manuel Ugarte, a key figure under Amorim at Sporting, is already flourishing at Paris Saint-Germain, meaning United must look elsewhere for a player of similar profile. Zubimendi’s intelligence, positional awareness, and passing range fit the bill perfectly.

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A Crucial Summer for United’s Future

There is an understanding at Old Trafford that this summer’s transfer window will be pivotal. The focus is on securing value-for-money deals, as United look to rebuild sensibly rather than pursue high-profile, big-money moves.

A new striker remains the priority—given Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s struggles—but midfield is an area that needs urgent attention. Zubimendi would represent a smart, long-term investment, providing stability and control to an area that has been a source of weakness all season.

With Arsenal seemingly in pole position, the challenge for United is to convince the Spaniard that their project offers a more compelling future. With INEOS taking control and Amorim pushing for dynamic, high-energy football, Zubimendi could be a transformative signing.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United fans, the idea of signing Martin Zubimendi is an exciting one. After years of watching midfield struggles, from a declining Nemanja Matic to the inconsistencies of Fred and Scott McTominay, Zubimendi feels like the perfect fit for what this new-look United needs.

His profile is exactly what Amorim’s system demands—an intelligent, technically sound midfielder who can dictate the tempo, break up play, and transition quickly into attack. His ability to read the game and provide defensive stability would allow Mainoo to operate further forward, where he has proven to be at his best.

The main concern is competition. Arsenal’s interest is well-documented, and they have the advantage of a settled squad and Champions League football. If United fail to qualify for Europe’s elite competition, it could weaken their case. However, what United can offer is a project in its early stages, where Zubimendi could be a centrepiece rather than just another cog in the machine.

Beyond just Zubimendi, this potential transfer speaks to a wider shift in United’s recruitment strategy under INEOS. Gone are the days of overpaying for ageing superstars. Instead, United appear focused on intelligent, high-value deals. If they can pull this one off, it would be a strong statement that the club is finally moving in the right direction.