Jamie Carragher thinks Manchester City might attempt to hijack Liverpool’s interest in Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi this January - but the champions’ 115 charges may prove a major hurdle.
With Rodri, recently crowned the world ’s best player at the Ballon d’Or, out for the season because of a knee injury, Pep Guardiola ’s side are likely to be keen on strengthening during the winter transfer window.
And with Real Sociedad star Zubimendi, who is also deputy for Rodri in the Spain team, widely viewed as the best holding midfielder not operating for one of Europe’s biggest clubs, the top candidate is obvious.
He had been heavily linked with a move to Anfield in the summer but the Reds could not get a deal over the line and they have been rumoured to have eyed up a renewed bid in the coming months.
Writing in his Daily Telegraph column, Carragher said: “The void left by Rodri means City must consider the transfer market in January.
“I wonder whether they will try to succeed where Liverpool failed and lure Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, the player whom top European scouts evidently feel is the best No 6 available beyond the Champions League clubs. Zubimendi is Rodri’s deputy in the Spain squad too.”
But Carragher also reckons that the outstanding Premier League charges facing City - with a decision expected nearing the end of the season - mean many top players will be advised against moving to east Manchester until a verdict arrives.
City could face expulsion from the Premier League if found guilty of the charges.
Carragher added: “Whether he or anyone else would join City in January is linked to their second problem. Any player approached by City between now and the end of the season will want to wait for the outcome of the case into the 115 charges.
“Nobody knows if there will be significant sporting sanctions against the club. Until that has been resolved, a wise agent will tell his client to let the process take its course before putting pen to paper, especially if they have alternative options.”
sudalmntuz
0
let them go and buy him and the team it self
Abuz
0
Dude we need every good player we can get don't be too proud when injury comes then you know what's up
bruh.. It's time to move on. There are a lot of players who want to play for LFC. If someone is not happy to be here, we can't bring out the best in them
my-blood-is-red
0
Hijack what..?? We don't need replacement for Gravenberch. In fact Gravenberch is way better than zubi. So we don't really care. Carragher should stfu unless he runs out of trash to talk about
Dude we need every good player we can get don't be too proud when injury comes then you know what's up
Abuz
1
Hijack what..?? We don't need replacement for Gravenberch. In fact Gravenberch is way better than zubi. So we don't really care. Carragher should stfu unless he runs out of trash to talk about
Jihbnopsu
2
make a short term loan offer with options to buy then. man city needs a new number 6
fayacelopu
0
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fayacelopu
0
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Bobckmpruz
2
The MF is suffering at real sociedad, they bare win matches. even Noah that was demolished by Chelsea can defeat them. I'm still to see how good zubimendi is. as of now, Gravenberg is a better player.
JustFootball_SG
3
While Ryan Gavernberch is doing fantastic for Liverpool, they should try to get Martin Zubimendi, one of the best holding midfield player. For goodness sake, Zubimendi is way better and cheaper than Real Madrid’s Tchouameni. Don’t get hook wink by Real Madrid