Martín Zubimendi speaks on Mikel Merino contract situation after Real Sociedad’s win over Cádiz | OneFootball

Real Sociedad star Martín Zubimendi was tonight drawn on the contract situation of teammate and midfield partner Mikel Merino.

The subject of Merino’s future at Anoeta has of course long taken its place front and centre in the headlines in Spain.

As much comes with the former Newcastle United man’s current terms with Sociedad due to come to an end in the summer of 2025.

With little progress understood to have been made in negotiations over a renewal, a whole host of clubs from across Europe have in turn been tipped as ready to launch summer bids for Merino’s signature.

Fresh off featuring alongside the 27-year-old en route to an eventual 2-0 downing of Cádiz in La Liga on Friday night (during which Merino scored), the subject of his teammate’s dwindling contract was in turn put to the aforementioned Martín Zubimendi.

And Zubimendi appeared in good spirits regarding the subject, in confirming that Merino’s terms act as a source of regular ‘jokes’ in the dressing room in San Sebastián.

“That is something very personal,” the midfielder began, as cited by Mundo Deportivo. “But there are always jokes about the subject. Merino is very dedicated to this project and is key. He is one of the captains and is very important for us.”

Conor Laird | GSFN