Real Madrid eye Martin Zubimendi as Toni Kroos successor

Real Madrid will reportedly look to sign 25-year-old Spanish international Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad to be Toni Kroos’s long-term successor.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Martin Zubimendi is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. The reigning La Liga champions are scouring the market for a midfielder heading into the 2025 summer transfer window, with Toni Kroos leaving a gaping hole in the midfield department. So, the 25-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder has emerged as a target.

Martin Zubimendi and his career so far
Martin Zubimendi has been one of the best midfielders in La Liga since breaking into the first-team squad at Real Sociedad a few years ago. The Spaniard is a native of San Sebastian and spent his formative years in the Basque Country. However, he was not a teenage sensation and had to wait until he turned 20 to make his senior bow for La Real.

Zubimendi has not looked back since making his first-team bow for Real Sociedad, becoming a mainstay in the middle of the park. The 25-year-old has turned out over 200 times thus far for the Basque outfit while chipping in with nine goals and nine assists.

The Spanish international has also made his mark for La Roja, playing his part as Luis de la Fuente’s men won the UEFA Euro 2024 title. Meanwhile, Zubimendi’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Real Madrid will be one of his prospective suitors next year.

Move across La Liga on the horizon?

Real Madrid’s interest in Martin Zubimendi is understandable. The reigning La Liga champions have struggled in the middle of the park since Toni Kroos called time on his legendary career. The former German international has left a gaping hole in the midfield department at Real Madrid.

So, several midfielders have emerged on Real Madrid’s radar, with Zubimendi also a viable target for Los Blancos. While the UEFA Euro 2024 winner is also a candidate on the wishlists of several Premier League bigwigs, he is reportedly keen on joining Real Madrid.

So, the Merengues should have an advantage if they launch the offensive to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the 2025 summer transfer window. It will be interesting to see if the 25-year-old Spanish international arrives at the Santiago Bernabeu next year.