Man Utd Ready to Agree £51.2m Signing ‘Without Negotiation’ – Report
Manchester United are reportedly prepared to make a decisive move in the transfer market by agreeing to a £51.2 million signing without entering negotiations, as they aim to secure one of Europe’s rising stars swiftly. The move signals a shift in strategy under INEOS-led ownership, where swift, data-driven recruitment is being prioritized to avoid protracted sagas and inflated bidding wars.
According to sources in Spain and England, Manchester United are ready to trigger the release clause of Martin Zubimendi, the Spanish midfield dynamo currently playing for Real Sociedad. The report indicates that United have made the decision to meet the player’s clause in full, bypassing negotiations with the club and putting the ball firmly in the player’s court.
Zubimendi: The Ideal Profile
Martin Zubimendi has long been admired by scouts and managers across Europe. Known for his intelligent positional sense, quick passing range, and composure on the ball, the 25-year-old midfielder has developed into one of La Liga’s most consistent performers. A graduate of Real Sociedad’s youth system, Zubimendi has been a mainstay in Imanol Alguacil’s setup and has earned international recognition with Spain.
Unlike flashy midfielders who draw attention through spectacular dribbling or long-range goals, Zubimendi’s value lies in his ability to control the tempo of a match from deep. He is often compared to Sergio Busquets for his reading of the game and ability to stay calm under pressure. For a United side lacking control in the center of the park, Zubimendi could be the missing link.
United’s Midfield Problems
Manchester United’s midfield has been a persistent weakness over the past two seasons. With Casemiro declining rapidly in both mobility and consistency, and Christian Eriksen failing to cement a regular place due to fitness issues, the burden has fallen on Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay to hold things together. While both players bring specific qualities, neither is a true holding midfielder who can dictate play and shield the back four.
Erik ten Hag—or his potential successor if changes are made this summer—has identified the need for a proper defensive midfielder who can not only protect the defense but also initiate attacking plays. Zubimendi is seen as a long-term solution: intelligent, disciplined, and experienced at both domestic and European levels.
The Release Clause Strategy
The most significant detail in the report is that United are ready to activate Zubimendi’s release clause of €60 million (approximately £51.2 million), meaning Real Sociedad would have no power to reject the offer. Spanish release clauses are legally binding, and once triggered, the selling club cannot block the transfer.
This “no-negotiation” approach serves multiple purposes. First, it eliminates the risk of a drawn-out bidding war with clubs like Arsenal or Bayern Munich, who have also shown interest in the player. Second, it ensures that United can focus on agreeing personal terms with the player and integrating him into the squad early in preseason—something that has been an issue in recent years due to delayed arrivals.
By moving swiftly and decisively, United are also sending a message to fans and rivals: this is a new era of proactive, efficient transfer dealings.
The Player’s Perspective
While Real Sociedad cannot prevent the deal once the clause is met, the final say rests with Zubimendi himself. The midfielder has previously expressed loyalty to his boyhood club and has rejected past offers to stay in San Sebastián. However, with United now showing serious intent and offering a substantial salary package re
portedly worth around £150,000 a
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