Manchester City are ready to trigger Martin Zubimendi’s release clause, but they may have to make a big effort to convince the midfielder.
According to Calciomercato, Manchester City are willing to pay the €60 million release clause on Martin Zubimendi’s contract. Following his season-ending injury, Pep Guardiola is expected to bring in a replacement for Rodri, with the Real Sociedad star seen as the ideal solution among a host of other names.
Martin Zubimendi was a man in demand during the summer but made a bold decision to reject Liverpool in favour of staying at his boyhood club, Real Sociedad. In any case, there have been reports that the midfielder regrets his choices and might be open to a future switch to Anfield, although by now, there are more clubs interested in him.
Manchester City are reportedly keen to sign Zubimendi, although this decision might have come in the wake of Rodri’s injury, which effectively ended his season. Pep Guardiola has decided to bring in a replacement for the Spaniard and has earmarked the Real Sociedad star as that player.
Other options are on their list, including Atalanta’s Brazilian star Ederson. Compared to Zubimendi, the Serie A midfielder might be a cheaper alternative, although the Spaniard could be viewed as the closest to Rodri’s profile in Manchester City’s system.
There have been links to Porto’s Alan Varela as well, although they might lean towards Zubimendi. His €60 million release clause is not a problem for Manchester City, as Real Sociedad will want suitors to pay that, as he is still on old terms despite talk of a new contract in the wake of what happened in the summer. On paper, Manchester City would do well with the 25-year-old Euro 2024 winner in their side.
Convincing Zubimendi might prove challenging
It would have been very difficult for Martin Zubimendi to turn down Liverpool’s approach during the summer, which showed how loyal the player was to Real Sociedad. Despite reports that he is ready to leave, any suitor, even Manchester City, will find it extremely difficult to convince the player to do so.
Hence, the €60 million price point for the 25-year-old Euro 2024 winner is not the issue Manchester City might have to deal with; rather, convincing the player is their biggest challenge. The midfielder will also consider his long-term future and what happens to his role when Rodri eventually returns next season.
