As Manchester City got overrun by Brighton in their 2-1 defeat at the Amex Stadium yesterday it is apparent that Pep Guardiola’s squad needs fresh legs in midfield. Too much work is being left to too few in City’s engine room. Injuries have played a part in this. Especially the loss of Rodri for the season. Manchester City continue to be linked with a move for a midfielder in January. As each report emerges it is becoming clear that the world champions will move for a midfielder in January.
Harry Pratt has reported for the Daily Star that Manchester City are planning a ‘£60 million swoop’ for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in January. Furthermore, Pratt adds that Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has briefed Pep Guardiola on the benefits of signing his international teammate. Lastly, Pratt reports that Zubimendi has a £60 million release clause in his current contract. This means that the world champions could afford to make a move for Zubimendi in January as per Pratt’s report.
Manchester City need another midfielder in January.
Based on Manchester City’s recent displays it is obvious that they need another midfielder. Especially a player who can sit deep in midfield and control the tempo of the game. Also a midfielder who can do the defensive duties and protect Manchester City’s defence would be the ideal signing. Martin Zubimendi can do both of those roles well. He ticks every box required of a player who could immediately aid City’s midfield in January.
There is no doubt that Pep Guardiola’s side misses Rodri. It is impossible for them not to. Pep Guardiola has tried Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva in midfield to cover Rodri’s season ending knee injury. But the four players mentioned are a different type of player to City’s midfield general. Although, it must be said, Mateo Kovacic has done a superb job so far stepping into Rodri’s role. But none of the players mentioned are natural holding midfielders. They do their best work further up the pitch or alongside Rodri. Due to this Manchester City’s midfield has been overrun in recent games. Injuries and fatigue have also severely depleted Manchester City’s midfield but trying to fit round pegs into square holes has also created an issue in City’s engine room.
It is becoming clear that Manchester City will move for a midfielder in January. They have to. Martin Zubimendi is the latest midfielder linked with a January move to the world champions. He may also be the perfect player to immediately step into Rodri’s role.
