January 2025 transfer: Rodri's possible replacement at Man City revealed
Recent reports suggest that Manchester City is actively seeking a replacement for the injured Rodri as they approach the January 2025 transfer window.
Following the official announcement confirming that Rodri will miss the entirety of the 2024/2025 season due to injury, speculation has intensified regarding potential signings to fill his role.
According to the Spanish publication Relevo, the Premier League champions are considering taking advantage of the £50.3 million ($65.8 million/€60 million) release clause for midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The club is eager to make a move for Zubimendi in the upcoming transfer window, especially since he has yet to sign a new contract with his current team. This presents a timely opportunity for Manchester City to bolster their squad in Rodri’s absence.
Rodri has been ruled out for the remainder of the season, leaving a significant gap in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City midfield. In response to his injury, the club is eyeing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as a potential replacement, with plans to bid €60 million for the Liverpool target during the January transfer window.
While Zubimendi’s potential move to Manchester City is still uncertain, the interest from Liverpool adds a competitive edge to the transfer race.
Should he choose to join the Premier League champions, his future role remains in question, especially once Rodri returns next season. Rodri’s absence has exposed the vulnerability in City’s midfield, making it crucial for the club to secure a top-tier defensive midfielder to maintain their title ambitions for the 2024/2025 season.
Although Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis have stepped in to cover the position temporarily, bringing in a specialist defensive midfielder like Zubimendi would provide greater stability to Guardiola’s squad. The importance of such a signing cannot be overstated as City aims to prevent their season from derailing.
As the January 2025 transfer window approaches, Manchester City will be keen to solidify their squad. Currently sitting second in the Premier League behind Liverpool, City will resume domestic action after the international break on October 20, 2024, with an away fixture against Wolves.
