Manchester City will move for Pablo Barrios should the pursuit of Martin Zubimendi fall flat.
Manchester City’s reliance on midfield maestro and Ballon d’Or winner Rodri became glaringly evident after his recent injury against Arsenal, leaving the team without one of their most crucial players for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign. The Premier League champions want an emergency cover, with the latest target being Pablo Barrios.
As City faced their fourth consecutive loss in Rodri’s absence, the urgency for reinforcements in the midfield has only intensified. The Spaniard’s unavailability highlighted the team’s vulnerability, particularly with the high demands of the Premier League schedule, which the player himself has previously warned could increase injury risks.
The timing could not be worse for City, whose board now finds itself under pressure to source a suitable replacement. Considering Liverpool’s previously unsuccessful attempt to secure Martin Zubimendi, a promising talent from Real Sociedad, City’s interest in Zubimendi has surged. Pep Guardiola, keen to bolster his squad’s midfield stability, has reportedly placed Zubimendi high on his winter transfer wishlist.
Alternative Options: Pablo Barrios in the Spotlight
According to Caught Offside, while Zubimendi remains a top choice, Guardiola is not putting all his eggs in one basket. Should Real Sociedad resist City’s overtures, other options have emerged. Notably, Pablo Barrios, Atletico Madrid’s rising star, has garnered interest from the Manchester City camp.
The young Spanish talent is known for his tenacity and vision, attributes that align well with City’s midfield dynamics. Barrios, at just 20, offers a fresh alternative that could inject both energy and creativity into City’s lineup.
Manchester City’s list of backup targets also includes Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde, renowned for his work rate and adaptability, and Hugo Larsson of Eintracht Frankfurt, a younger prospect already demonstrating notable maturity on the field. Each player on Guardiola’s radar brings a unique skill set, ensuring that City have diverse options to fortify their midfield should the pursuit of Zubimendi fall short.
City’s winter transfer plans showcase the club’s commitment to addressing the gaps exposed by Rodri’s absence. Barrios’s potential move, in particular, would offer the Premier League champions a player capable of growing within Guardiola’s system, blending raw talent with tactical intelligence.
The interest in Pablo Barrios reflects a forward-thinking approach by Guardiola, who is clearly considering both immediate needs and future potential. While Zubimendi’s experience would undoubtedly be valuable, Barrios could be a more flexible and exciting option. If City secure the Spanish midfielder, it could be a win-win situation, adding depth to the midfield while allowing Guardiola the chance to shape a young talent into a vital asset.