Manchester City ‘making strong appearance’ to sign Liverpool midfield transfer target – Release clause available | OneFootball

Premier League champions Manchester City have now emerged as a clear contender to sign Real Sociedad and Spain star Martin Zubimendi, according to reports.

Manchester City’s pursuit of a new central midfielder during the upcoming January transfer window comes as a direct result of the club’s long-term injury absentee in Rodri, who is expected to miss the remainder of the ongoing season.

Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff are currently at work sourcing strong replacements and solutions within the current roster of players, with the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Rico Lewis, and Manuel Akanji all operating in the role over the last four weeks.

However, there is likely to be an open dialogue remaining in place between Pep Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain over the coming weeks and months, as the pair weigh up whether to invest in the defensive midfield role or not during the winter market.

A lot will depend on player availability, an interest in joining Manchester City mid-way through the season, a club being open to negotiation, and finances suiting those of the Etihad Stadium club’s budget.

As such, that has now drawn Manchester City’s interest over to the Spanish market, and a player that they will no doubt know well through the strong Spanish influence on the Etihad Stadium’s operation.

According to new reports from Spanish outlet Relevo, City are now among the clubs wanting to take advantage of Martin Zubimendi’s situation at Real Sociedad, and are ‘making a strong appearance’ for the 25-year-old.

It is explained that City’s transfer management wants to take advantage of the fact that Zubimendi has still not signed a new contract at Sociedad and therefore maintains a €60 million release clause in his contract.

Manchester City have an existing working relationship with Real Sociedad which may benefit any negotiations for Zubimendi, after the two clubs reached an agreement over a deal for Sergio Gomez during the summer market.

The versatile full-back brought an end to his two-year association with the Premier League champions by returning to La Liga in a deal worth up to €10 million, with Manchester City retaining a 30 per cent sell-on clause in the agreement.

Real Sociedad also reached an agreement with Manchester City back in the summer of 2020 for legendary midfielder David Silva on a free transfer, despite strong interest from Serie A giants, Lazio.

Manchester City are likely to have a multitude of other potential options for the central midfield role in the coming weeks and months, with some reports also identifying Torino’s Samuele Ricci as an option to come in and replace Rodri.