Real Madrid identify Real Sociedad star as long-term Kroos replacement | OneFootball

The brass at Real Madrid have earmarked a member of the midfield ranks at La Liga rivals Real Sociedad as a leading target on the transfer front.

That’s according to Diario AS, who point towards Martín Zubimendi as the player in question.

Real Madrid, it is claimed, remain on the hunt for reinforcements in the middle of the park with a view to next season.

Specifically, Carlo Ancelotti and co. are of the opinion that a new deep-lying midfielder is needed, to act as a long-term replacement for the now-retired Toni Kroos.

And, amid this search, one name has quickly come to the fore as something of a priority option.

As per a report from AS:

‘The Whites already had Zubimendi on their radar, but it was the departure of Kroos and the problems they have had during this first part of the season that have confirmed the more than necessary need to reinforce that position.’

The Spanish international, for his part, is seen as the perfect profile to reinforce Real’s engine room, owing to his technical attributes and price tag (€60 million release clause) alike.

An offer for Zubimendi’s services, in turn, could well be forthcoming next summer.

Conor Laird – GSFN