Manchester City may make a “big January signing” in a “surprise” transaction as they try to bolster their midfield. During the most recent episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former Leeds United goalie Paul Robinson disclosed that the Premier League winners might attempt to recruit either Martin Zubimendi, 25, or Bruno Guimaraes, 27, during the next transfer window.
In the wake of star midfielder Rodri’s season-ending knee injury, Man City has been strongly connected to both players recently. On December 19, Football Insider announced that Newcastle United would not consider any January proposals from Pep Guardiola’s team for Guimaraes. Although he turned down a summer transfer to Liverpool, Zubimendi is thought to be a viable option to take his fellow Spain international’s place at the Etihad. Football Insider reported on December 27 that when the transfer window opens, Man City may try to activate the Real Sociedad midfielder’s £50 million release clause.
Man City ready to go all out to sign elite midfielder
Zubimendi should stand out among the other alternatives. Manchester City’s discussions should move quickly because they have a £52 million release clause. This will give them the opportunity to present a stronger pitch than Liverpool did in the summer. At only 25 years old, the gifted midfield player has a lot more to offer and may eventually take the place of players like Ikay Gundogan.
Although the Sociedad player nevertheless made an impression in the last campaign, the statistics don’t really capture Zubimendi’s quality because Rodri is playing at the highest level in the globe. Ben Mattinson, an expert, has called the 25-year-old an “elite tempo controller,” and there is still a lot to see. Given that Sociedad is currently outside of the top six in La Liga as well, Zubimendi’s personal goals may still motivate him to leave the team in contrast to his summertime dedication to his boyhood club. In January, Zubimendi should be at the top of Manchester City’s wish list as they try to address their issues.
