Real Sociedad director of football Roberto Olabe does not expect any ‘scares’ over Martin Zubimendi in January, despite Premier League interest and a release clause in his contract.
The 25-year-old was a target for Liverpool over the summer but he rejected the move to Anfield in order to stay with Real Sociedad.
However, that decision has not put off Premier League clubs as Manchester City are now heavily linked with a January move.
Pep Guardiola’s team have been struggling badly since the serious knee injury suffered by Rodri and they are expected to dive into the transfer market next month.
Despite the financial might of the Premier League champions, and a release clause in Zubimendi’s contract, Olabe is not concerned about what lies ahead in January.
‘There is little peace about the clauses, but in all this time Martín himself has shown us that above the clauses there are the wills,’ Olabe said, via Marca.
‘Until today we have already seen the behaviour that he has had, I do not foresee that we will have any scares in January.’
The in-demand midfielder was not involved in the weekend defeat to Celta Vigo, but Olabe confirmed that was due to fitness concerns and nothing more.
‘He has been suffering from discomfort for some time,’ he said. ‘It is normal that after accumulating so many competitions and matches, the boys feel the pain. The coach, the doctor and his feelings have decided that it was better to give way to a teammate.’
Zubimendi has addressed his future himself recently, not exactly ruling out a move, but certainly not being distracted by speculation.
‘There will always be rumours and now that January is approaching, there will be too, but I don’t waste energy on outside noise,’ he said.
‘I’m happy with the way I’m handling it and I’m going to handle it.’