Barcelona is in talks with a €60 million midfielder for 2024, and Xavi sees him as the “next Busquets.” 

Barcelona’s admiration and appreciation for Real Sociedad midfield mainstay Martin Zubimendi is no top secret. 

The Blaugrana were intent on signing the Spanish international last summer, but his contract extension and €60 million release clause with La Real put him out of their reach. 

Zubimendi has continued to excel at Sociedad, who are doing well in La Liga as well as the UEFA Champions League. 

Barcelona discussing Zubimendi for 2024 

Zubimendi is fully committed to Real Sociedad and is enjoying life at the club, having turned down opportunities to leave this past summer. 

However, things could be different in the summer of 2024, with Barcelona still very much interested in signing the midfielder, reports Fabrizio Romano. 

As per the Italian journalist, the La Liga champions are internally discussing the name of the Spaniard for the summer next year and not for January. 

Romano adds that Barça manager Xavi Hernandez is a huge fan of Zubimendi, and considers him the ‘next Sergio Busquets’. 

Having wanted to sign the 24-year-old last summer, Xavi wants the club to make a push for him once again in 2024. 

More competition expected 

However, apart from the €60 million release clause, Barcelona could encounter more complications due to the number of suitors for Zubimendi. 

As per Romano, Arsenal are also great admirers of the Real Sociedad ace and are keeping tabs on him, as they did last summer. 

Furthermore, recent reports in Germany suggested that Bayern Munich are also keen on the 24-year-old defensive midfielder. 

So, it remains to be seen whether Barcelona can get their man next summer or are forced to look at other, more affordable alternatives such as Guido Rodriguez or Wilfred Ndidi, who will be free agents in 2024.