Manchester City are considering making a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as Pep Guardiola seeks a cover for Rodri.
In September, Rodri sustained an ACL injury during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium. As expected, the Spaniard will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. With the Premier League campaign finishing in May, another appearance in the competition looks highly improbable, so the 28-year-old’s focus will be on being fully fit for the 2025/26 campaign.
Ever since Rodri suffered a serious knee injury, it has become even more apparent that he is undoubtedly the Sky Blues’ most important player in Pep Guardiola’s system. Meanwhile, Rodri won Ballon d’Or. Manchester City have lost four games in a row following their 2-1 defeat at Brighton on Saturday, leaving them five points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.
Behind the scenes, the chiefs at the Etihad Stadium are trying to sign a replacement for the Euro 2024 winner, with Guardiola ready to give green-light to a big acquisition during the winter transfer window.
Man City are reportedly the latest club trying to convince Martin Zubimendi to leave Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder has been the most talked-about players in the transfer market in recent years. The 25-year-old, who won the Euro 2024 with Spain, has already rejected moves to Barcelona, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Having come through the youth ranks at Sociedad, Zubimendi has gone on to make over 200 senior appearances. He is one of the sought-after midfielders in Europe, with his €60 million affordable for big clubs including Man City.
Martin Zubimendi has qualities to thrive at Man City
Zubimendi rejected a summer move to Liverpool, insisting he wanted to stay at his boyhood club and grow. Now, it seems the Basque has had a change of heart and is keen to play in the Premier League after making a name for himself in La Liga.
Man City have the funds available to trigger the midfielder’s €60 million release clause. Capable of operating in a double pivot or as a lone No.6, Zubimendi could go some way in filling Rodri’s void in City’s engine room. Technically strong, good reader of the game, tenacious tackler and ball winner, he could thrive in an anchor role in a possession-heavy Guardiola side.
While there’s no doubting Zubimendi’s qualities on and off the ball, it all depends on whether City would be able to convince the player to leave Sociedad midway through the campaign.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
