Man City’s ideal starting XI after the January transfer window features a £51m player who was previously a missed target for Liverpool.

Manchester City remain composed despite their current challenges, having faced similar situations in the past and still emerged as Premier League champions. Under Pep Guardiola, they have won six of the last seven league titles, often overcoming deficits against strong rivals like Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

Currently trailing Liverpool by five points, City’s title defense this season feels different. They lost four consecutive games across all competitions before the November international break and suffered a major setback with Ballon d’Or winner Rodri sidelined for the season due to a knee injury.

This situation has sparked speculation that City might deviate from their usual reluctance to make major January signings by bringing in a midfielder to replace Rodri. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who declined a move to Liverpool in the summer despite his £51m release clause being triggered, has emerged as a top target. Described by Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso as a midfielder “every coach would want,” Zubimendi is seen as the closest match to Rodri’s role. Atalanta’s Ederson has also been linked, but Zubimendi appears to be the primary candidate.

If Zubimendi is City’s only major January signing, their strongest XI could include him alongside returning players. The lineup might feature Ederson in goal, with a back four of Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Josko Gvardiol. Zubimendi would join Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva in midfield, while Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, or Savinho could support Erling Haaland in attack.

Projected lineup post-January:
Ederson; Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol; Zubimendi, De Bruyne, Silva; Foden, Grealish; Haaland.