As the January transfer window approaches, Premier League champions Manchester City find themselves in the unfamiliar position of chasing the pack. With key midfielder Rodri sidelined through injury, Pep Guardiola’s side have identified Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi as the man to fill the void and reignite their title challenge.
City’s Midfield Misfortunes
Manchester City’s quest for a third successive Premier League crown has been derailed by a spate of injuries, particularly in the crucial midfield area. The absence of lynchpin Rodri has been keenly felt, with City lacking the control and composure that the Spaniard brings to the side.
According to a close source, Guardiola sees Zubimendi as the ideal replacement, with the 25-year-old’s passing range and defensive acumen making him a natural fit for City’s style of play. The Real Sociedad man reportedly rejected overtures from Liverpool in the summer, but City are hoping to test his resolve with a lucrative January offer.
A Matter of Timing
The timing of any potential move could prove pivotal. With Real Sociedad flying high in La Liga and Zubimendi an integral part of their success, prising him away mid-season may prove challenging. However, City’s need is pressing, and they may be willing to pay a premium to secure his services.
Martín is a fantastic player with a bright future ahead of him. We know there is interest from some big clubs, but our focus is on achieving our goals this season.
– Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil
Should a move materialize, Zubimendi would face stiff competition for a starting berth, with Rodri expected to return to fitness and İlkay Gündoğan and Kalvin Phillips also vying for minutes. However, the rigors of competing on multiple fronts mean squad depth is essential, and Zubimendi’s versatility makes him an attractive proposition.
Premier League Clubs Circle Larsson
As City cast their gaze towards San Sebastián, a host of their Premier League rivals are looking to Germany for midfield reinforcements. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson has emerged as a target for Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal, with the 20-year-old Swede impressing in his breakthrough Bundesliga campaign.
Larsson, who joined Frankfurt from Malmö FF in 2023, has quickly adapted to life in Germany, with his energy and technical ability catching the eye of several suitors. Despite the interest, Larsson is said to be content at Deutsche Bank Park, having recently penned a long-term deal until 2029.
- Larsson has made 12 Bundesliga appearances this season, scoring twice
- The youngster earned his first Sweden cap in September, featuring in a Euro 2028 qualifier against Spain
While a January move seems unlikely, Larsson’s continued development will no doubt see him remain on the radar of Premier League clubs. With Jürgen Klopp, Antonio Conte, and Mikel Arteta all keen to bolster their midfield options, the race for Larsson’s signature could heat up come the summer.
Guardiola’s Future on the Agenda
Amid the transfer speculation, Manchester City are also looking to secure the future of manager Pep Guardiola. The Catalan’s current deal expires in 2025, but the club hierarchy are keen to tie him down to an extension.
Pep is one of the best managers in the world, and we want him to continue leading this club forward. We’re confident of reaching an agreement.
– City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak
Guardiola has guided City to four Premier League titles, four League Cups, and an FA Cup since taking the reins in 2016. However, the Champions League has proved elusive, with last season’s agonizing final defeat to Bayern Munich still fresh in the memory.
With City facing an uphill battle to retain their domestic crown, Guardiola knows reinforcements are needed to keep pace with a resurgent Arsenal and a strengthened Liverpool. Whether Zubimendi proves to be the missing piece of the puzzle remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the January transfer window promises to be a pivotal one for Manchester City and their rivals.
