It is difficult to determine how Manchester City have reacted since discovering the extent of Rodri’s injury.
After Rodri came off against Arsenal as he picked up his unfortunate injury, the visitors managed to score two goals in the first half before the game ended 2-2.
Since then, Manchester City drew 1-1 to Newcastle United and went on to beat Fulham 3-2 in their next two Premier League fixtures — remaining unbeaten at the start of the season — while prompting the question over whether they have truly struggled since the 28-year-old’s injury.
Pep Guardiola will be hoping that a definitive answer in the form of City constantly dropping points does not emerge.
Instead, the Catalan boss would rather his side manage to trudge along and pick up results until the January transfer window at least.
However, for Manchester City to remain as consistent as they have been in the league this season until the winter window would be easier said than done — even if the £62.5 million midfielder was fit and firing.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Man City earmark midfielder Rodri has played with as January replacement
Before the New Year, City face the likes of Brighton & Hove Albion, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa amongst other top English sides.
Manchester City’s games against Liverpool and Aston Villa will be held at daunting away stadiums like Anfield and Villa Park respectively.
If City do manage to either reach the top of the league table or remain in touching distance of the league leaders by the end of the year, that would be an impressive feat.
However, the Sky Blues’ chances of winning the league could undergo a massive boost if they recruit a defensive midfielder to cover for Rodri in January.
In this respect, Arsenal and Liverpool can count themselves fortunate due to having Declan Rice and Ryan Gravenberch respectively within their ranks.
But it seems like the champions of England are not prepared to rest on their laurels.
Instead, a report by Relevo has claimed that Manchester City are ready to make a move for Martin Zubimendi in the January transfer window.
Pep Guardiola’s side have identified the Spanish international as one of the possible replacements for the injured Rodri.
It is believed that Manchester City are looking to secure Zubimendi’s services as he is yet to extend his contract with Real Sociedad beyond 2027.
Furthermore, the Sociedad midfielder’s release clause of €60 million (£50.3 million) is considered an affordable fee for a player of his class by City.
The 25-year-old, who Xavi Hernandez labelled as an “extraordinary defensive midfielder” — as quoted by Mundo Deportivo — is believed not to be looking out for a way out of the Spanish side.
The one major concern for Man City if they sign Martin Zubimendi
While Zubimendi has proven why he is one of Europe’s best holding midfielders during his time at Real Sociedad, if Manchester City were to sign him in January, how he would deal with the Premier League’s one-of-a-kind physicality is the golden question.
One of the primary reasons why Rodri has been as dominant as he has been in English football is due to how often he physically overpowers other midfielders across the division.
Despite Fernandinho’s slight frame, he too bullied sides due to how deceptively strong, quick and aggressive he was.
If Zubimendi made his way to the Etihad Stadium, it would be interesting to see how much time it would take for him to adapt to the pace and power of the Premier League.
The athleticism that it takes for a defensive midfielder to thrive in England is the reason why imposing figures like Rice and Gravenberch boss proceedings in the middle of the park.
If Manchester City reckon the hustle and bustle in the midfield batters in English football would leave Zubimendi feeling unfazed, his potential signing could be a masterstroke in January.
