Manchester City are eyeing a move for ex- Liverpool target Martin Zubimendi as they scramble around for a Rodri replacement.
Pep Guardiola is set to be without the Spanish midfielder for the majority of the season after he underwent surgery for a serious knee injury. Mateo Kovacic was drafted in at the weekend and scored twice in the 3-2 win against Fulham.
But City are still keen to add to their midfield options in the January transfer window. And a former Liverpool target is on their agenda.
Reports in Spain suggest that Real Sociedad playmaker Zubimendi is on their shortlist and City have a plan in place in an effort to sign him in just three months’ time. According to Spanish outlet Relevo, they want to take advantage of a €60million (£50.3m) release clause written into his contract.
Zubimendi, 25, has under three years left to run on his current deal and is yet to agree terms on an extended stay. City would have to convince him of a move to the Etihad, with Zubimendi having previously turned down a move to Liverpool in the summer.
Speaking after a move collapsed, Reds boss Arne Slot said: “I said many times already that I think our squad is really strong, and it’s not so easy to find players that can help us or can even strengthen the squad.
“Zubimendi was one of them, to be fair, but he decided not to come. We go forward with the ones we have, and those ones have done really well in pre-season.
“We’re in a good place, and like I’ve said many times before, in the background, Richard [Hughes] is trying to strengthen the squad as he can, but unfortunately Zubimendi decided not to come.
“He [Hughes] did every effort, he tried everything to bring him in, but if a player doesn’t want to come, it’s obvious then that he is not coming.”
Since then, Zubimendi has also spoken out on rejecting the Reds and insisted that he holds no regrets. Speaking earlier this month, the midfielder said: “My philosophy is to do what I feel at all times.
“So far, things have gone well for me. It is true that there was a lot of noise. I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here and I am happy and at peace. There is a lot of noise because of the press but in the end everything is easier than all that.”
He then doubled down on his stance, adding: “Of course I don't regret it, I can't think that after four or five games at the start of the season. 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 and I'm excited about having a good season.”
AbdulZaks008
19
We already have this monster