From David Ornstein: Martin Zubimendi ‘coming to terms’ with transfer potential as Manchester City stance revealed

Manchester City may be on the verge of a significant boost to their chances of signing a fresh name in the centre of the park, according to reports.

The Premier League champions are expected to assess the European market for new faces for Pep Guardiola’s midfield, particularly in light of the long-term injury sustained by Ballon d’Or winner Rodri in September.

There is a widespread belief that the Manchester City squad remains light and with injuries continuing to mount each game, those views are being heightened and club bosses will be turning attentions to a number of options.

One concern is that by recruiting a player to stand in for Rodri, they may be immediately pushed to one side when the Spaniard returns, and as such any new face must be versatile across Guardiola’s midfield roles.

That has seen Manchester City linked with one of Liverpool’s primary options from the last summer transfer window in Martin Zubimendi, as a new report has provided an encouraging development on the player and the Etihad club’s hopes of luring him in 2025.

According to the information of The Athletic’s David Ornstein, ‘multiple well-placed sources’ believe that Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is now ‘coming to terms with the idea’ of leaving his current club, and anticipate that happening during the 2025 summer market.

However, it is also clarified that some around the situation are ‘less sure’, and as such believe that in the end, the European Championship winner with Spain will change his mind and ultimately opt to stay at Sociedad.

On the subject of Manchester City, and suggestions that they could make a move in January, it is further stressed that if an exit is to materialise for Zubimendi, it is anticipated that would more likely occur at the end of the ongoing season.

Manchester City will no doubt be well aware of the circumstances that led to Liverpool missing out on the player however, and as such will be lining up other options that they could turn to during the January or summer markets.

Other names impressing a number of Europe’s leading clubs in the lead up to the market reopening are the likes of Atalanta’s Éderson, Torino’s Samuele Ricci, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

However, the common belief being reported across numerous outlets over the last fortnight is that in the case of the latter two profiles, Manchester City have already been informed that neither club have any intention to sell during the winter market.

City’s latest outing saw the club dismiss of Nottingham Forest via a 3-0 score at the Etihad Stadium, and Jack Grealish excel in a central role that may give Pep Guardiola some hope that he can operate for the remainder of the season without a new signing in the position.