Manchester City are reportedly eyeing a move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as they seek cover for the injured Rodri.
With Rodri sidelined for the remainder of the season due to injury, speculation has increased that Man City will pursue a defensive midfielder in the January transfer window.
According to Spanish publication Relevo, Pep Guardiola’s side is keen to trigger Zubimendi’s £50.3million ($65.8m/€60m) release clause.
The 25-year-old has yet to sign a new contract with Sociedad, making him a prime target for City.
Rodri is arguably City’s most influential player, and his absence has been felt.
Without him, the team’s aura of invincibility seems diminished.
Guardiola said of Rodri’s injury: “He had surgery this morning – ACL and some meniscus, so next season he will be here.
“This season is over.
“We got the worst [news possible] but it is what it is.
“Sometimes, unfortunately, it happens.
“We are there to support him.
“Good recovery, step by step and we move forward. “
Asked about a previous comment by Pep that Rodri was “irreplaceable”, he added: “What he gives us we don’t have a similar player, but the other players all together can replace what Rodri has given us since he arrived to us.
“We have to do it as a team and find a way to play during a lot of months without an important player for us.
“Everybody knows it.
“Speedy recovery and next season he will compete against them.
“We are stronger with him, we re stronger with Nathan Ake, we are strong with Oscar Bobb.
“All the injuries we did not want it, but football happens.
“Rodri will be out for a period, not just eight, nine months.
“As a club we have magnificent players, we will find a solution and it is what it is.”
Further complicating the team’s situation, Kevin De Bruyne will miss tomorrow’s trip to Newcastle United.
“No [he is not ready to play],” he said.
“Maybe before the international break [he will be available again].”
While Mateo Kovacic and Rico Lewis are potential options to fill in, bringing in a high-quality player in that position could be a smart move, especially with City’s packed fixture schedule this season.
Earlier this summer, Liverpool made an unsuccessful attempt to sign Martin Zubimendi, with the Spain international opting to remain at Real Sociedad for another season.
The midfielder, whose contract runs until 2027, was a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.
Before the January window opens, Manchester City, currently second in the Premier League behind Liverpool, will return to action on October 20 with an away match against Wolves.
Read more: Wayne Rooney weighs in on Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United
How Liverpool had planned behind-closed-doors game for Darwin Nunez
