Pep Guardiola Targets Two Midfield Signings as Manchester City Seek Revival
After a disappointing run of five consecutive defeats, Pep Guardiola has decided that a major squad overhaul is necessary, with the midfield a key area of focus for Manchester City’s revival.
City’s recent slump includes a humbling 4-0 loss to Tottenham at home, marking their worst streak since 2006. Guardiola has faced this crisis for the first time in his managerial career, and now, with a glaring need to refresh his squad, he is reportedly targeting two midfielders to help turn things around.
Guardiola’s Midfield Targets
Guardiola has set his sights on Martin Zubimendi, a 25-year-old defensive midfielder currently playing for Real Sociedad. Zubimendi turned down a summer move to Liverpool, and reports suggest Guardiola is eager to bring him to the Etihad to provide competition for Rodri. Zubimendi, who replaced Rodri in the Euro 2024 final against England, has a release clause of £58 million, with his current contract expiring in 2027. Although City’s interest could spark renewed competition from Liverpool, City are determined to secure his services.
The second player on Guardiola’s radar is Ederson, the attacking midfielder from Atalanta, who is known for his dynamic performances in the Europa League. The 25-year-old Brazilian has been in excellent form this season, netting six goals across all competitions. Manchester United reportedly inquired about Ederson over the summer but were rebuffed, and sources indicate that a fee in excess of €50 million would be required to sign him.
The Need for Change
With Rodri sidelined for the rest of the season due to a serious knee injury, Guardiola is under increasing pressure to strengthen his midfield options both for the immediate future and long-term stability. The squad’s age profile and the underperformance of key players have led to questions about their ability to compete at the highest level.
Guardiola has stated that a quality signing could restore confidence within the team. “Injured players have to come back to their best form,” he said, acknowledging that fresh additions are key to lifting City out of their current slump.
