By Former FC Barcelona head coach, Xavi Hernández has disclosed that the club’s management turned down his request to sign Martín Zubimendi as a replacement for Sergio Busquets.
In an interview with La Vanguardia and monitored by AfrikTimes, Xavi explained that the decision was largely driven by the club’s financial situation, which forced Barcelona to opt for a cheaper alternative instead of the Real Sociedad midfielder.
Busquets, a long-time midfield anchor for Barcelona, left the club in 2023, creating a significant gap in the team’s midfield structure. Xavi noted that Zubimendi’s style of play made him a suitable successor because of his tactical discipline and ability to control the tempo of matches.
However, Barcelona’s well-documented financial challenges limited their options in the transfer market, preventing the club from pursuing the Spanish international despite the coach’s recommendation.
