Manchester City set to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi

Manchester City are reportedly ready to finalize a deal to acquire Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the January transfer window.

According to The Sun, the reigning Premier League champions are prepared to offer around £50 million for the Spanish international. Zubimendi’s addition would provide City with a reliable midfield option, initially filling in for Rodri, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury.

Martin Zubimendi, 25, is highly regarded for his calmness on the ball, composure, and ability to dictate the pace of the game from deep midfield positions. Known for his tactical intelligence and sharp decision-making, Zubimendi often orchestrates plays from a defensive midfield role, positioning himself effectively to shield the backline while also serving as a reliable distributor. His precise passing and ability to manage game tempo make him an ideal fit for City’s possession-based approach.

Over the course of his career at Real Sociedad, Zubimendi has made 204 appearances, scoring nine goals and contributing nine assists. Though not an offensive-minded player, his influence is often felt in how he supports both the defensive structure and the transition to attack, a skill set that would allow him to seamlessly integrate into Pep Guardiola’s tactical framework.

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In addition to his club career, Zubimendi has earned 14 caps for the Spanish national team, scoring one goal. His international experience would be valuable for City, especially in high-stakes games where his calm presence and technical proficiency can make a difference.

City’s interest in Zubimendi is partly motivated by the need for a dependable backup for Rodri, who has been a critical figure in City’s midfield but is currently recovering from a knee injury. As one of the most reliable defensive midfielders in Europe, Rodri’s absence has left a void that Manchester City is keen to fill, particularly as they push to maintain their form across multiple competitions. Zubimendi’s similar playing style and defensive strengths make him an ideal candidate to assume this role while Rodri recuperates.

Interestingly, Zubimendi turned down an offer from Liverpool last summer, despite the Reds meeting his buyout clause. However, it appears the midfielder has since reconsidered his stance on moving to the Premier League and is now prepared to take on a new challenge in England midseason. His openness to the transfer signals a readiness to adapt and contribute immediately.

If completed, this £50 million deal would not only reinforce City’s midfield depth but also provide Guardiola with a versatile, disciplined player capable of handling the demands of English football.

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Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.