Manchester City face a tough challenge in their pursuit of one of Europe’s top midfielders this winter, as they look to strengthen Pep Guardiola’s squad amid a growing injury list.
City are expected to ramp up their recruitment efforts in the January transfer window as Guardiola seeks reinforcements, especially after the long-term loss of Rodri. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is sidelined for the rest of the season due to a double knee injury that required surgery in October. Rodri remains hopeful he’ll return for the FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. after the European season concludes, but his absence has left a gap in City’s midfield.
To fill this void, City’s recruitment team has their sights on Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, a top target with a €60 million release clause that reportedly poses “no obstacle” to interested clubs like City, according to Spanish outlet Cope.
Multiple journalists have weighed in on the potential transfer. Cope Gipuzkoa’s Marco Antonio Sande reports that offers for Zubimendi are expected in January, with City potentially looking to bypass Real Sociedad and negotiate directly with the player. Journalist Ander Iturralde believes Zubimendi is open to a move, stating, “I wouldn’t be surprised if they came to sign him in the winter market,” while acknowledging that Real Sociedad may struggle to retain him.
Giovanni Batista adds that City’s interest in Zubimendi “won’t be easily diluted,” warning of a “long and hard winter” as they pursue the player.
Until the transfer window opens, Guardiola will rely on his current squad to fill the midfield void, with Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic often stepping into the role. Guardiola has also used Rico Lewis, Manuel Akanji, and John Stones in the position, though Akanji and Stones have struggled with consistency due to fitness issues.
City return to action after the international break with a crucial Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad Stadium, hoping to snap a four-game losing streak across all competitions.
