I've played with Man City target Martin Zubimendi - trust me, he's world-class

Martin Zubimendi is now reported to be on the radar of Manchester City – and one Premier League star has confirmed he's a truly top player.

The 25-year-old has spent the entirety of his career at Real Sociedad since graduating from the Spanish side's youth set-up in 2016 and looks incredibly content crafting his trade in La Liga. To date, the defensive midfielder has made 198 appearances for the club and seems to be an instrumental part of Imanol Alguacil's plans going forward.

Zubimendi, who Liverpool failed in persuading him to join them over the summer, has also impressed at international level, helping Spain win Euro 2024 thanks to a stellar tournament under the watchful eye of Luis de la Fuente. And now, it is reported that City could make an approach, with a number of players past and present touting up Zubimendi's talent and ability on the pitch.

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One player who shared the field with the Sociedad baller is Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney, and the Scot admitted that he was impressed with the Spaniard. Tierney, 27, signed for the Gunners in 2019, however, his stint in north London has been far from remarkable, having been sent out on loan to Sociedad for the 2023/24 campaign.

It is here that the Scot had a good look at Zubimendi, admitting that he was taken aback by his raw talent. Speaking to The Guardian, Tierney said: "You have world-class players like Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Brais Mendez. It’s not that people don’t think they’re good, it’s just that if you’re only watching the Premier League every week, it’s hard to know. They’re world class."

Elsewhere, Barcelona legend Xavi has also sung the praises of Zubimendi, admitting that he wanted to take him to the Nou Camp during his stint as head coach between 2021 and 2024. Mundo Deportivo quote the Spanish icon as saying: "I like all of Real Sociedad.

"They mirror a bit our style of play. Zubimendi is an extraordinary defensive midfielder, he understands the model we like at Barca, he dominates with and without the ball."

City are likely to face an uphill battle should they hope to bring Zubimendi to the Etihad in the near future, given how intensely Liverpool chased the Sociedad star most of the summer. They came incredibly close to bringing him to Anfield until he decided to stay in Spain at the last minute. Contracted until July 2027 too, City would have to fork out his reported £51million release clause should they wish to pry him away from his boyhood club – a risk for a player who has never played Premier League football.

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Pep Guardiola's team may also face further competition for Zubimendi's signature, with fierce rivals Manchester United also linked over the summer, while Arsenal are also said to be admirers.

With first-choice midfielder Rodri having sustained a season-ending ACL injury early into the current campaign, Guardiola may well have his eyes on the world-class talent in the upcoming January transfer window.

If he's unable to bring in Zubimendi, then Guardiola isn't exactly strapped for choice at the turn of the year. City have also been linked with the likes of Sporting CP's Morten Hjulmand, Porto captain Alan Varela and Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton to name a few.

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