Real Sociedad president rules out Martin Zubimendi's move to Barça

Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has assured that he maintains a good relationship with Martin Zubimendi.

The midfielder has been rumoured to be on FC Barcelona's radar to replace Sergio Busquets, whose contract runs out in June 2023.

"We have a good relationship with Martin Zubimendi. We are close to reaching an agreement to extend his contract," Aperribay commented, adding that "I hope he spends his whole career here".

Zubimendi's contract with Real Sociedad expires in June 2023 but the Real Sociedad president, in a statement made in Moldova before the Europa League match against Sheriff, confessed that "we are very close" to the renewal of the Txuri Urdin player.

"It's a question of time," said Aperribay, who remains confident that Zubimendi will eventually end up renewing his contract with Real Sociedad.

The negotiations have been ongoing for some time now to keep him at the Blue and Whites' club.

For now, it looks like Zubimendi's future is destined away from Camp Nou. Barça were aiming to grab him as a free agent if he did not renew his contract with Real Sociedad. The timing would be ideal with the departure of Sergio Busquets approaching, although the Catalan has not yet revealed his plans.