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Manchester City is willing to do whatever it takes to ensure it signs Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi. The Spanish 25-year-old has thrived for Real Sociedad in recent campaigns. Coming out of the Sociedad academy and the Antiguoko school of midfielders that produced the likes of Xabi Alonso and Mikel Arteta, Zubimendi is Real Sociedad’s most important player. Manchester City wants to bring that calming and creative presence in the midfield to the Premier League at any cost.
That includes making a rare move for a star player in January. Rodri’s season-ending injury has left a void in the midfield of Pep Guardiola’s side. Manchester City brought in Ilkay Gundogan who has brilliantly provided cover for Rodri. However, at the age of 33, Gundogan is not a long-term solution to Manchester City’s problems. Zubimendi, on the other hand, can naturally fit into the Manchester City ranks and continue to develop under Pep Guardiola.
Zubimendi has not signed a contract renewal with Real Sociedad. Under his current deal, the Spaniard will remain with the Basque club for the foreseeable future. Despite that, Sociedad is yet to offer the midfielder a new contract, which has made him available.
Liverpool previously worked to bring Zubimendi in this past summer in a deal that would have hovered around $70 million. However, the midfielder backed out of that, and instead opted to remain with Real Sociedad for the near future. That is where he stands now, but his desire to leave is clear. His release clause is still $68 million, but all signs point to Zubimendi being more open to leaving at the next available point, according to Relevo.
Manchester City sees Zubimendi as a replacement for Rodri in the long term
In the immediate sense, Zubimendi can work alongside Ilkay Gundogan in the midfield. Not only would this give the Spaniard ample opportunity to adjust to life in the Premier League and with a Champions League contender. He would learn…
Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/manchester-city-holds-nothing-back-in-pursuit-of-zubimendi/
Author : Kyle Fansler
Publish date : 2024-10-08 18:40:44
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