Reports suggest that Manchester City will compete with Liverpool in the race to sign a potential replacement for Rodri.

Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly set to compete for the signing of Martin Zubimendi, with both clubs interested in the Real Sociedad midfielder. City is looking to secure a move for him in January.

Zubimendi was heavily linked to Liverpool during the summer transfer window, and while a deal with Real Sociedad was agreed, the midfielder opted to stay at his current club. Despite not making any midfield signings in the summer, Liverpool remains keen on him.

However, according to Football Insider’s Peter O’Rourke, Manchester City is now targeting Zubimendi as a potential replacement for Rodri, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury in September. Though City has Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan, both players have been underperforming.

Zubimendi, widely regarded as one of the best central midfielders in the world, is also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder in a possession-oriented system. He has made over 200 appearances for Real Sociedad, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists.

Zubimendi replaced the injured Rodri during Spain’s UEFA Euro 2024 final against England, which Spain won. Manchester City now hopes he can fill Rodri’s role for them this season as well. The 25-year-old’s contract with Real Sociedad runs until 2027.

In related news, Manchester City suffered a 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on November 9, 2024, in the Premier League. Despite leading 1-0 through Erling Haaland’s first-half goal, City missed several chances, and Brighton came from behind to win with goals from Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley. This loss marked the first time in Pep Guardiola’s career that he had lost four consecutive games. Meanwhile, Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa, putting them five points ahead of City.