Manchester City to battle Liverpool as they eye move for Rodri replacement - Reports
Manchester City and Liverpool are reportedly set to battle it out for the signature of Martin Zubimendi. Both sides are interested in the Real Sociedad midfielder, with City eyeing a January move.
Zubimendi was heavily linked with a move to Anfield in the summer. The Reds also agreed on a deal with La Real but the Spaniard chose to stay at his current club. Liverpool ended up making no midfield signing in the summer but retain an interest in Zubimendi.
However, as per Football Insider journalist Peter O'Rourke, Manchester City are hoping to convince the midfielder to join them in January. This comes following Rodri's season-ending ACL injury in September. While City have Mateo Kovacic and Ilkay Gundogan in their ranks, the duo have been underwhelming.
Zubimendi is regarded as one of the finest central midfielders in world football at the moment. He can also play as a defensive midfielder in a possession-based side. He has made over 200 appearances for Real Sociedad, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists.
Zubimendi replaced an injured Rodri at halftime in Spain's UEFA Euro 2024 final against England, which they won. Manchester City are now hoping he can fill in for Rodri at their club this season as well. The 25-year-old's contract with Real Sociedad expires in 2027.
Manchester City lose again as Liverpool extend their lead atop the PL table
Manchester City suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday, November 9. Erling Haaland gave them the lead in the 23rd minute but they missed multiple chances in the first half.
Brighton then dominated the second half and got their reward in the 78th minute when Joao Pedro scored the equalizer. Five minutes later, Matt O'Riley, who made his Premier League debut, scored the winner for the Seagulls. It marked the first time Pep Guardiola had lost four consecutive games in his managerial career. City lost against Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup Round of 16, Bournemouth in the league, and Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League.
Manchester City remained second in the Premier League table but slipped five points behind Liverpool after the latter's win over Aston Villa. They beat Unai Emery's side 2-0 at Anfield later on Saturday.
Darwin Nunez gave Liverpool the lead in the 20th minute after a brilliant counter-attack. Mohamed Salah then made it 2-0 in the 84th minute to make it nine wins in 11 league games for the Reds this season.