Exclusive: Man City could trigger Martin Zubimendi release clause
Man City could look to trigger Martin Zubimendi’s release clause due to Rodri’s injury, sources have told Football Insider.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that Zubimendi is seen as the one player who could replace the gap that the Ballon d’Or winner has left.
The Spain international ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in September and has been ruled out for the entire season, and the impact of that has been clear to see throughout this season.
City’s winless run was stretched to five games after their 1-1 draw against Everton, while Pep Guardiola’s side have only won once in their previous 13 matches in all competitions.
The defending Premier League champions are expected to be active in the January transfer window, and Zubimendi is a target.
The 25-year-old has a £50million release clause in his deal at Real Sociedad which City could trigger at the turn of the year to bring him to the Premier League.
Man City could persuade Martin Zubimendi to the Premier League
Zubimendi had been linked with a move to England during the summer transfer window, and Liverpool had agreed to sign him until the defensive midfielder rejected the move and opted to remain in Spain.
Well-placed sources have told Football Insider that the Spain international would be open to a move to the Premier League in January, therefore a deal could be done if City triggers his release clause.
However, it is expected that City will have plenty of competition from other top sides if Zubimendi is open to leaving Spain.
The defensive midfielder is under contract with Real Sociedad until 2027 and remains a key part of the team after playing all but one of their La Liga fixtures this season.
In other news, ‘Bournemouth plan to accept Illya Zabarnyi offer’ after Man City twist.
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