Manchester City are actively searching for a replacement for Rodri ahead of the January transfer window and have identified Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as a top target.
Rodri has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury, and Pep Guardiola has been testing different players within his squad to fill the Spaniard’s role since the setback against Arsenal.
According to *Football Insider*, Guardiola hopes to find an internal solution to the problem, but if that doesn’t work, Manchester City reportedly have around £82 million available to spend in January.
If the Premier League champions decide to strengthen their squad, *Relevo* reports that Zubimendi has become a key target. City are looking to take advantage of the €60 million release clause in the midfielder’s contract with Real Sociedad.
Zubimendi, who was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool during the summer, ultimately chose to remain in Spain. Liverpool had triggered his release clause and were close to securing the deal, as the 25-year-old was interested in a switch to Anfield. However, Zubimendi decided to stay at Real Sociedad.
Real Sociedad have struggled this season, sitting 15th in La Liga with just two wins from nine games. This poor form could impact their ability to keep Zubimendi in January, which may work in Manchester City’s favor if they pursue a move for the Euro 2024 winner.
If City succeed in signing Zubimendi, it would be a major blow for Liverpool, who are still in the market for a defensive midfielder and have likely not given up on the Spaniard.
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