Exclusive: Man City Moves to Sign Rodri’s Replacement for over £50.3 million

Man City prepared to sign £50.3 million Rodri replacement as Guardiola admits 'we have to change' image

Manchester City will make a new attempt to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in January, according to The Sun.

The Premier League champions were beaten 2-1 at Brighton & Hove Albion on November 9 despite taking the lead in the first half through Erling Haaland. Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley scored twice in five minutes to secure all three points for the Seagulls.

The result came off the back of City’s 4-1 UEFA Champions League loss to Sporting CP, plus 2-1 defeats to Bournemouth in the league and Tottenham in the Carabao Cup, which means Pep Guardiola has now suffered four consecutive defeats for the first time in his senior coaching career.

Speaking after the match, he said of their losing run: “We have to change it and get back to winning. We are in the position that we are in and hopefully, when we get the players back, I don’t have any doubts that we will be back.

“This is my challenge — our challenge — and I’d like to face it. I will not step back at all.”

With injury problems having caused a real issue in the City squad, they are predicted to explore their options in the January transfer window to give themselves the best chance of a successful second half of the season.

The Sun claims City are on alert over Zubimendi’s situation. The midfielder was heavily linked with Liverpool in the previous transfer window but chose to commit to Real Sociedad rather than move to England. However, the Euro 2024 winner has apparently had something of a change of heart, prompting City to consider a move.

What happened with Martin Zubimendi and Liverpool?

Zubimendi was tipped to join Arne Slot’s Liverpool in August, but the 25-year-old central midfielder chose to stay in La Liga “to grow and develop”.

Speaking in early October, Zubimendi insisted he did not regret his decision despite a difficult start to the season for Sociedad.

“I can’t think that way after four or five games at the start of the season,” he said. “I made my decision from within, I thought it was the best thing to do, the results don’t affect me. I see potential in this team — you just have to watch us train. I’m excited about having a good season.”

Does Martin Zubimendi have a release clause?

Zubimendi’s release clause is reportedly set at €61 million (£50.3m/$65m). That fee would not be prohibitive to City, whose only signings in the previous transfer window where Savinho for a total package of around £30.8m ($39.8m) and the free transfer of Ilkay Gundogan.