Manchester City are not known for making hasty decisions in the transfer market and are unlikely to panic. However, with key midfielders like Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, and Mateo Kovacic all over 30, there is a growing case for refreshing their midfield options soon, regardless of Rodri’s condition.
While no midfielder can truly replicate what Rodri brings to the team, City are not necessarily looking for a direct replacement. A January signing could be crucial in their bid to win the Premier League for a record fifth consecutive season.
One option that has surfaced in the Spanish press is Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. According to *Relevo*, City are monitoring the 25-year-old, who attracted interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool during the summer. Zubimendi nearly joined Liverpool, but after terms were agreed between the two clubs, he opted to remain at Sociedad for another season.
However, the chance to play under Pep Guardiola might prove too enticing to resist, and City could activate his £51.7 million release clause. Despite turning down Liverpool, Zubimendi has yet to sign a new contract with Real Sociedad, leaving some uncertainty that City could exploit.
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who coached Zubimendi at Real Sociedad’s B team, believes the Euro 2024 winner would be an ideal fit for Guardiola’s system. “Martin’s a player all coaches would want,” Alonso told *The Guardian* in a 2022 interview. “He’s generous and always puts his teammates before himself,” highlighting why Zubimendi could thrive under Guardiola’s tutelage at Manchester City.
He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move.
“He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organize the axis. I loved working with him.”
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