Manchester City are moving swiftly to secure a high-caliber replacement for Rodri, who is sidelined with an ACL injury, and Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi is reportedly their prime target.
The Real Sociedad star, who was pursued by Liverpool over the summer, could be a game-changing addition for City in January as they aim to bridge the gap to league leaders Liverpool.
Rodri’s absence has left a gaping hole in Pep Guardiola’s midfield setup, impacting City’s typically robust form. Since losing the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner to injury, City have suffered an unexpected dip, losing four consecutive matches across all competitions, including two Premier League clashes that have cost them the top spot. With Liverpool now five points clear, City’s hunt for an elite midfield presence has taken on new urgency.
The Sun reports that Manchester City are now planning to activate Zubimendi’s release clause, set at €60 million (£49.7 million), to bring the talented Spaniard to the Etihad in January. The addition of Zubimendi could provide the much-needed reinforcement City require to recover their form and mount a serious challenge in the second half of the season.
Intriguingly, Zubimendi was heavily linked with Liverpool last summer, with the Reds identifying him as a strong fit for their midfield under manager Arne Slot. However, at that time, Zubimendi chose to stay loyal to Real Sociedad, his boyhood club. According to the latest updates, the 25-year-old has now reconsidered his stance and is open to a Premier League move, which has left Manchester City on high alert.
Sources indicate that City have honed in on Zubimendi as their number one target. This follows earlier reports from TEAMtalk, which outlined four midfielders on City’s radar: Zubimendi, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, and Atalanta’s Ederson. While Zubimendi seems the favored option, the possibility of City looking to others remains, should complications arise in their pursuit of the Real Sociedad star.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Despite City’s readiness to meet Zubimendi’s release clause, there are a couple of critical factors that could affect his decision. The Sun cautions that Zubimendi may still harbor concerns over City’s future, both in terms of Guardiola’s status and ongoing investigations into the club’s alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
The uncertainty surrounding Guardiola’s tenure is particularly notable. City’s manager is currently in the final year of his contract and has yet to commit to an extension. The potential for a managerial change at the Etihad may make players like Zubimendi wary, as the departure of a coach as influential as Guardiola could bring significant shifts in City’s tactical direction and stability.
Additionally, the FFP investigation continues to cast a shadow over Manchester City. With potential sanctions looming, players might hesitate to join a club that could face substantial penalties, which could affect the club’s participation in European competitions and long-term financial health. This investigation has reportedly deterred some players from considering City, and Zubimendi’s final decision could hinge on further clarity about the club’s future.
Should City succeed in luring Zubimendi to Manchester, they’d gain an incredibly versatile and composed midfielder who could operate in multiple roles. His deep-lying playmaking abilities, ball control, and tactical awareness make him an ideal candidate to replicate the control Rodri typically brings to City’s midfield. As a product of Real Sociedad’s academy, Zubimendi has developed a disciplined style that aligns well with Guardiola’s possession-based system, and his arrival could restore the balance City have missed in Rodri’s absence.
For Liverpool, missing out on Zubimendi would be a blow, particularly after their intense summer interest in the player. They are currently riding high at the top of the table, but the addition of Zubimendi to City’s ranks could impact their title aspirations in the latter half of the season. City’s pursuit of the Spaniard highlights the high-stakes battle for top-tier talent in the Premier League, where even a single key player can tip the scales in a fiercely contested title race.
As January approaches, all eyes will be on City’s negotiations with Real Sociedad and Zubimendi himself. Guardiola’s squad, while immensely talented, is now in a precarious position in both the league and Europe, and adding Zubimendi could be the defining move to rejuvenate their season.
