Xavi’s top midfield target for some time has been Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, but the Barcelona manager will have to look elsewhere this summer.
Zubimendi’s price tag means he’s likely to be out of Barca’s each in any case, while he’s also repeatedly insisted he does not want to leave La Real.
Yet it’s the midfielder’s latest comments which make it absolutely crystal clear he is not interested in a move to Barcelona.
“I’m more motivated to take Illarramendi’s No. 4 than Busquets’ No. 5,” he has said in an interview with El Diario Vasco.
Real Sociedad boss Imanol Aguacil has also made it clear he’s completely confident Zubimendi will still be his player next season at a press conference.