A Basque duo in preparation: Zubimendi and Xabi Alonso at Real Madrid?

Real Madrid, faithful to its recruitment strategy focused on youth and vision of the game, continues to strengthen itself for the future. According to Relevo, even if the current team shines on the pitch, the Madrid management is looking to bring more quality to its midfield. One name has come up repeatedly in recent weeks: that of Martín Zubimendi.

At 25, after a remarkable Euro 2024 with Spain, where he stood out as one of the key players in the final, Zubimendi now appears to be a priority target for Real Madrid.

His tactical intelligence, his ability to organize the game and his passing skills make him a valuable asset, perfectly suited to the demands of the Madrid club.

Real Madrid’s interest in Zubimendi is old, but now takes on a new dimension. The departure of Toni Kroos and the lack of Spanish players in the squad, two points which are of increasing concern to management, further reinforce the relevance of this recruitment.

The profile of the player, already courted by major European teams such as Liverpool and Manchester City, fits perfectly into the long-term vision of Real Madrid.

However, a major obstacle remains: Zubimendi’s release clause, set at 60 million euros. If this amount can represent a barrier for certain clubs, it is perfectly accessible for an institution like Real Madrid. In addition, Zubimendi seems determined to take his time before choosing his next destination.

A key element in this reflection could be the influence of Xabi Alonso, expected to be the future coach of Real Madrid. Former emblematic player of the club and current technician of Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso knows Zubimendi well having managed him at Real Sociedad. Admiring the qualities of his former protégé, he would dream of finding him again.

Xabi Alonso could prove a strong asset to attract Zubimendi (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)

The arrival of Zubimendi could, however, require adjustments to the Madrid squad. Indeed, with an already dense midfield, the arrival of the Basque would undoubtedly require an exit, and the name of Aurélien Tchouaméni comes up frequently.

Although the French international has not yet completely convinced since his arrival at the club, the management has not yet made a final decision on this subject. The possibility of a sale of Tchouaméni therefore seems possible to allow Zubimendi to join Casa Blanca.

Thus, although the operation appears more and more likely for the summer of 2025, several parameters still need to be taken into account. However, the timing seems ideal to meet the club’s needs, both in terms of strengthening the midfield and developing the squad.

On the side of Real Sociedad, management already seems to anticipate this departure, which it considers inevitable. According to Relevo, if the Basque leaders hope to keep Zubimendi until 2026, following the refusal of an offer from Liverpool this summer, they have already started to consider a replacement solution.

The name of Jon Gorrotxategi, currently on loan from the Txuri-urdinak to Mirandés, comes up repeatedly. At 22, the midfielder, who plays in a similar role to Zubimendi, appears to be the ideal successor.

His very good season in Liga Hypermotion, where Mirandés is struggling to climb, strengthens his profile as Zubimendi’s natural replacement at Real Sociedad.

So, as Zubimendi moves closer and closer to Real Madrid, Real Sociedad prepares to handle his departure and offer Gorrotxategi a promising future. Next summer could mark an important turning point for both clubs.