Overview
- Xavi told La Vanguardia he asked the board to sign Martin Zubimendi but was refused for financial reasons.
- Barcelona filled the position with lower-cost options, bringing in Ilkay Gundogan on a free and Oriol Romeu for a modest fee.
- Zubimendi left Real Sociedad the following summer and joined Arsenal for a reported fee of around £51m.
- The Spain international has become an important figure under Mikel Arteta, though recent reports note a dip in form with some errors.
- Xavi framed the rejection as part of wider tensions and falling sporting expectations during his tenure before his 2024 departure.