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The Guardian
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
'There is no one like him': what Martín Zubimendi will bring Arsenal
The way Martín Zubimendi remembers it, the day he was given the chance to be a ballboy for Real Sociedad against Manchester United he was more nervous than when he had to play. Standing at the side of the pitch, he found himself transfixed, the game flying by. So transfixed, in fact, that he forgot it was his job to pass the ball to the players and at one point Claudio Bravo, in goal that night at Anoeta, had to come over and take it off him because he was standing there watching. It was the first time it had happened to him; it would also be the last. If there is anything that defines Arsenal's new midfielder, it is that he is so calm, so in control. 'He oozes assuredness from every pore,' says the Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente. 'He doesn't get nervous walking a tightrope with no safety net.' When he's out there, games don't just go by; they usually go where he wants them to. And as for passes, what he forgot to do that night defines him now: there were 1,752 of them in La Liga last season. No midfielder outside Real Madrid or Barcelona played more. Raised in the San Sebastián neighbourhood of Gros, where he has walked his dog daily, quietly heading across the beach or up to Elía which looks out over the bay, Zubimendi was Gipuzkoa chess champion at under-12 level. It fits the way he plays football, which he did even better: thoughtful, strategic, the whole picture. 'Martín is a player who will bring us enormous quality and footballing intelligence; he has all the qualities to be a key player for us,' Mikel Arteta said. Like Arteta, his coach now, Zubimendi played at local club Antiguoko, an extraordinary success story when it comes to football development in the city, before joining Real Sociedad at 12 and making his first team debut eight years later. Last year, his coach Imanol Alguacil said: 'There is no one like him.' Which isn't, in truth, what most people say. Ask anybody about Zubimendi and one name comes up every time, sometimes two. There is Sergio Busquets, who Zubimendi once joked had done a lot of damage to central midfielders, setting new standards, new demands, forcing them to do things they had never done before. And then, inevitably, there is Xabi Alonso who he says 'must get bored of hearing me talk about him'. Alonso too is from Guipuzkoa and began at Antiguoko before joining Real Sociedad. They play in the same position, with the same style, have the same agent, and listening to Zubimendi explain his craft, even sound the same. Alonso has been Zubimendi's coach at Real Sociedad's B team, taking it upon himself to teach him, bringing out the player he could see inside. Even after Zubimendi's promotion to the first team, Alonso would stop him at the Zubieta training ground and go through the game with him, offering advice. As for being tired of Zubimendi talking about him, forget it. The admiration is mutual, the values shared. This summer, Zubimendi appeared a perfect signing for Real Madrid. Alonso, Zubimendi says, led without it ever being for show; 'Martín,' Alonso says, 'thinks more about his teammates than himself. He has that ability to generate play, make those around him better, organise. He understands the next step before the ball gets to him.' He also understands that is not all there is to the game. Not least because he has been told it. He has talked about needing to see beyond the short pass, learning to shift the length of his deliveries, and there is a dynamism about his play that Alonso And Busquets didn't have. There's also an ability to do the more traditional duties of a defensive midfielder. Only four defenders in Spain made more tackles than he did last season. If there is one thing that Alguacil is obsessed with it is the intensity with which he thinks the game should be played, the determination to compete and put the boot in if needs be. Zubimendi reckons he might have been the player who most had the manager on his back. 'Imanol asks me to talk more, to be more aggressive,' he said. 'Your role is to be constantly helping everyone and talking is part of that. That and the challenges.' Zubimendi is naturally quiet, made in the Gipuzkoan mould. Talk to him and he's engaging, warm company, the analysis impressive, but there is no show. Everyone in San Sebastián knows him; outside, it is tempting to suggest, too few do. Or at least that, without a lobby to champion him, without any desire to demand the spotlight, he has not always had the recognition his performances deserved. In fact, when Rodri went off injured in the final of Euro 2024, to be replaced by Zubimendi, it wasn't only the England fans thinking this was their chance. Up in the directors' box in Berlin, where the presidents of the regional federations were sat, one of the Basque representatives heard the muttering from the row behind: Rodri going off was a disaster, they were screwed now, Spain were going to lose. The way he recalls it, he turned round and had a go, saying that anyone would think they had never seen Zubimendi play and maybe they should watch someone outside Madrid and Barcelona for once. For a moment, it got a bit tense. By the end of the night Spain were European champions; Zubimendi had dominated the second half. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion If they had doubted, De la Fuente had not. 'Rodri is the best midfielder in the world,' he had said, 'but Zubimendi is the second best. Martín gives you everything you ask for and has a fantastic talent. He's a guarantee, totally reliable. He always plays calmly, unhurried and every decision is the right one.' Others had seen it too. In 2023, Xavi Hernández tried to persuade Barcelona to sign him. The following summer, Liverpool thought they had him; so did some Real Sociedad players. At the end of the Euros, Álex Remiro had rented a house in Ibiza and invited the teammates with whom he played for both Real Sociedad and Spain: Robin Le Normand, Mikel Oyarzabal, Mikel Merino, and Zubimendi. Oyarzabal went but, one by one, the problems appeared: Le Normand had to arrange his move to Atlético Madrid, Merino was about to go to Arsenal, and Zubimendi wasn't sure he was going to make it either, because there were things to sort out. Not you too, Remiro replied, not this year. Next year, then. Home called and Zubimendi stayed for now but 12 months on it is time. 'It's hard to find the right words to say goodbye; it hasn't been easy but the moment has come,' he wrote. 'Once I had made the decision to go, I was focused on Arsenal because I think their style is the right one for me. [The manager and I] have a lot in common. We come from the same city and played for the same teams.' Starting at Real Sociedad, where one night Zubimendi let the game pass by him but never again.
Telegraph
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Martin Zubimendi signs for Arsenal and here is why
At half-time of last year's European Championship final against England, Spain manager Luis de la Fuente had a simple message for his players. 'Let's be ourselves,' he told his team, in a speech filmed by Amazon's documentary-makers. 'We have to take it easy. Keep calm. Just do your thing.' Of perhaps all the Spanish players, Martin Zubimendi had the most reason to panic. He had watched most of the tournament from the bench, playing a total of just 95 minutes before the final, and he was now being thrown into the heart of midfield following an injury to Rodri. It was the biggest moment of his career. But, as it turned out, it was arguably Zubimendi who best followed De la Fuente's instructions. The Basque native kept calm, just as his coach demanded, and did his thing. What followed was a midfield masterclass, full of probing passes and well-timed tackles, as he helped Spain to a 2-1 victory over Gareth Southgate's side in Berlin. The performance provided further proof that Zubimendi is a midfielder capable of operating at the highest level, under the most intense pressure. Liverpool had seen enough, and soon made their move. A few weeks after that final in Germany, it seemed certain that he would be swapping Real Sociedad for Anfield in a deal worth around £50 million. But just as the transfer was materialising, Zubimendi backed away – much to Liverpool's disappointment. 'I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay,' he later said. 'There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me.' It is a question that many have asked over the past year: what made Zubimendi reject Liverpool? Telegraph Sport can now reveal the reason why. Around the time he was strongly considering the offer from Liverpool, Zubimendi was also presented with an alternative opportunity: Arsenal. According to sources in Spain, Arsenal made it clear to Sociedad last summer that they wanted to sign two of their midfielders. The north Londoners were keen for Mikel Merino to join immediately and then for Zubimendi to come a year later, in the summer of 2025. It made for an extraordinary situation. This was effectively a hugely ambitious package deal for two high-class Spain internationals, at the cost of more than £80 million (Merino cost around £30 million, while Zubimendi has cost more than £50 million). The move was led by Edu Gaspar and Jason Ayto, Arsenal's then-sporting director and assistant sporting director, and the pursuit of Zubimendi has ultimately proved to be a remarkable triumph of relationship-building and long-term planning. Here is an elite-level midfielder, snatched away from a Premier League rival, and a deal that was almost a year in the making. Crucially from a financial perspective, the long-term nature of the pursuit has allowed Arsenal to structure the deal more favourably, rather than triggering the 26-year-old's release clause with a single payment. Why were Sociedad so willing to engage in such an unusual negotiation? In large part, because they wanted to avoid losing both Merino and Zubimendi in the same summer. The departure of both players would have forced them into a near-complete rebuild of their midfield. For Zubimendi, too, it made sense to stay in San Sebastián for one more season, rather than move to Liverpool straight after the European Championship. It also surely contributed to his thinking last summer that Arne Slot had only just taken over from Jürgen Klopp. At the time, it was fair to wonder how awkward the transition from Klopp to Slot might be. From Arsenal's side, there was no need to recruit a new defensive midfielder last year. With Jorginho, Thomas Partey and Declan Rice in Mikel Arteta's squad, they had the required quality and depth in that position. But they knew that Jorginho and Partey's deals both expired in 2025, and that change would soon be required in this crucial area of the team. Arsenal's executives might one day claim the transfer was never in doubt after they convinced Zubimendi to wait a year for them, but it was not truly a done deal until March. Indeed, there were moments during the season when it seemed like Arsenal's elaborate plan might just come under threat. The serious knee injury to Manchester City's Rodri, for example, raised expectations in some quarters that Pep Guardiola might target Zubimendi in January. There was also a constant sense that Xabi Alonso, Zubimendi's idol and former coach with the Sociedad B team, might be appointed at Real Madrid and target the Spain international. It would have been hard for Sociedad and Zubimendi to say no to such a proposal. Arsenal had moved so decisively and so early, though, that they were able to remain in control of the situation. First with Edu leading the way, before his departure from Arsenal in November, and then with Ayto, who subsequently helmed Arsenal's recruitment efforts. The relationship between Arsenal, Sociedad and the player remained strong. The transfer was finally announced on Sunday but it was effectively completed months ago, prior to the arrival of new sporting director Andrea Berta. When Real attempted to make a move in June, there were therefore no concerns or doubts in north London. The deal was done. The prospect of working with Arteta was another significant factor in Zubimendi's decision. Not only are the two men from the same city, but they also both played for the same amateur club, Antiguoko, as kids. Club sources say the two men formed an instant connection. Zubimendi's game is based on intelligent movement and thinking one step ahead. It is perhaps no surprise, then, that he is also an impressive chess player. As a boy, he once won the under-12 chess championship in the Spanish province of Gipuzkoa. Martin Zubimendi campeón de Gipuzkoa alevín de ajedrez (2011) #realsociedad — RSF_ClassicPics (@RSF_ClassicPics) June 8, 2021 His challenge now is to adapt to a new club, for the first time in his professional life, and a new league. To routinely demonstrate the same technical ability and mental clarity he showed for Spain in their victory over England. And to justify not only the investment by Arsenal, but also the extraordinary, year-long recruitment operation that ultimately brought him to England.
New York Times
02-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Atletico Madrid sign Spain international Alex Baena from Villarreal
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of Alex Baena from Villarreal. The 23-year-old Spain international has signed a five-year deal through to 2030 with Diego Simeone's side. 'I never thought this day would come,' Baene posted on Instagram. 'The day I leave my home. Well, I'll never leave here because I'll never forget what I've experienced with Villarreal, a club that welcomed me since I was a kid. I feel like a part of this 'grogueta' family that has given me so much over the years. Advertisement 'Here I was happy, extremely happy because football allowed me to discover a wonderful club, to which I will be eternally grateful. 'I'm leaving, but a part of me stays forever in Villarreal. I am proud of all that we have been able to build something so great together with all the colleagues I have shared this extraordinary path with. A path that now, and coincidentally, splits. I'm leaving, but I know someday I'll be back home.' The versatile attacking player has spent the entirety of his professional career at Villarreal, whom he helped to a fifth-place finish in 2024-25 and qualification for this coming season's Champions League league phase. Baena has played 10 matches for Spain's senior side, scoring twice, and was part of Luis de la Fuente's European Championship-winning squad last summer. He has scored 26 goals across his Villarreal career, and in 2023-24, his 14 assists were the most of any player in La Liga. Last term, he registered seven goals and nine assists in 32 league games. Atletico have already completed the signing of left-back Matteo Ruggeri from Atalanta this summer. ()
Forbes
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
FC Barcelona Star's Registration Deleted By La Liga
La Liga had to delete the registration of new FC Barcelona star Joan Garcia after mistakenly ... More including him in the Catalans' first team squad on Friday afternoon, a few hours after the goalkeeper signed his contract at the Joan Gamper CT. La Liga had to delete the registration of new FC Barcelona star Joan Garcia after mistakenly including him in the Catalans' first team squad on Friday afternoon, a few hours after the goalkeeper signed his contract at the Joan Gamper CT. Garcia became Barca's first port of call in the summer transfer window thanks to his breakout 2024/2025 season. It was a campaign in which the Blaugrana became treble champions of Spain, yet ended up seeking a new shotstopper thanks to leaking seven goals in the Champions League semifinals to Inter Milan which denied it the chance to get to the decider for the first time since 2015. It was important to pounce on the opportunity to sign Garcia while his release clause was still at a reasonable €25 million, and that value would have only risen in the near future had he made his expected Spain debut under Luis de la Fuente. Garcia's representatives deposited the required funds on Friday last week, ahead of the 24-year-old's signing being officially announced by Barca and him then penning a six-year contract at the Joan Gamper CT. "I'm very happy, I really wanted this day to come and it has finally arrived," Garcia said. 'My goal is to continue growing as a goalkeeper and win a lot, achieve very nice things with the team, that's why I have come.' 'It is a very exciting project, with a great team and very young players, whom I already know. I really want to start and be with them,' he added. Yet eagle-eyed outlets such as Mundo Deportivo spotted that Garcia was immediately uploaded to Hansi Flick's squad in error. The mistake was quickly rectified and Garcia only appeared there for a few minutes, but he was then swiftly deleted. While some clubs such as Real Madrid can have new signings like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen uploaded to its squad on the La Liga website and registered immediately, it's not as straightforward at Barca where for the past few summers President Joan Laporta and Deco have had to do economic gymnastics to get new signings cleared to lace their boots up while the club stays on the right side of Financial Fair Play (FFP). FC Barcelona will continue trying to make new signings Despite this predicament, FC Barcelona will continue trying to make new signings and has reportedly agreed terms with Nico Williams. It now remains to be see how and when Laporta and Co can raise the Euro 2024's $66.8 million (€58 million) release clause.
Fox News
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Fan dies after fall during Nations League final between Spain and Portugal
A soccer fan died during the UEFA Nations League final between Spain and Portugal on Sunday after falling from an overhead level onto a media area below. A UEFA official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to give details, confirmed a person sustained fatal injuries from a fall. The incident occurred during the first period of extra time at the Munich stadium, when tension was high between rival players, and fans were becoming more animated. Medical personnel, stewards and police cordoned off the area. Portugal went on to win the game on penalties. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente addressed the incident at the start of his postgame news conference. "Before we begin with the questions, I would like to express my condolences because a fan died in the stands today," de la Fuente said. "My condolences to the family." Reporting by The Associated Press.
