Having replaced the injured Rodri in the Euro 2024 final during Spain’s 2-1 win against England, Manchester City supporters could feel Martin Zubimendi would be a tailor-made replacement for him.
The Real Sociedad hero is considered one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe.
With Rodri sidelined for several months due to injury, even if City were on the lookout for a replacement for him, the challenge for them would to be sign a holding midfielder who has a similar profile to him.
Against a midfield quartet of Declan Rice, Kobbie Mainoo, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham, the Spaniard stood out and showcased that he is well-capable of stepping into the Manchester City maestro’s shoes.
Not many midfielders across world football would be able to instantly impact proceedings quite like Zubimendi did against England.
Zubimendi shares his honest verdict on Man City transfer rumours
Considering Rodri was handed the Player of the Tournament award goes to show how influential he was for Luis de la Fuente’s side at the European Championship.
As a result, Zubimendi would have felt the pressure of the situation once the £220,000-a-week man had to be hauled off the pitch at half-time.
But based on his performance, the Sociedad talisman looked at ease.
Zubimendi effortlessly drove up the pitch with the ball, broke up play and provide a calming influence to Spain’s midfield.
While the Spanish international has been making waves in La Liga for years, his showing against Gareth Southgate’s side indicated that the midfielder belongs at the elite level.
Ahead of Spain’s upcoming clash against Denmark in the UEFA Nations League, Zubimendi was quizzed about the rumours linking him to a move to Manchester City in January.
However, the silky technician shut down the speculation via El Rincon de la Real: “There are always rumours but so far, I’ve always thought that the best solution for me is staying at Real Sociedad.”
“I’ve still a lot of things to give to this club, I still want to grow and develop here.”
Man City should rule Martin Zubimendi move out as Rodri alternative
If Manchester City were indeed considering a move for Zubimendi, they should rule such plans out and target another midfielder instead.
If the San Sebastian-orchestrator was indeed interested in a transfer to the Premier League winners, he would be more coy in his response.
However, it seems like Zubimendi’s heart is set on Sociedad.
Elite clubs like Manchester City have a shortlist full of alternatives.
As a result, the Sky Blues need not to be too disappointed, even if Zubimendi was their number one target.
