Latest developments
- Manchester City are prepared to pay Martin Zubimendi's release clause.
- They will need to pay £50 million to Real Sociedad.
- The Spaniard has also been heavily linked with Liverpool and Arsenal.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Top transfer journalist reporting
Man City are intending to pay Martin Zubimendi's release clause at Real Sociedad to bring him to the Etihad and replace the injured Rodri.
This information is being reported by footballinsider247.com and their leading transfer correspondent, Pete O'Rourke.
Value (4.5/5): Market value signing
Now valued at £49.8 million, Real Sociedad may be regretting agreeing to just a £50 million release clause in Zubimendi's contract, which runs until 2027.
With Real Madrid, Liverpool and Arsenal also said to be interested, City may have to offer significant wages to get this deal over the line if one or more other clubs meet the release clause.
Suitability (4/5): Replaced Rodri before
City's problems extend beyond missing Rodri, but there is no doubt they need the injured Spaniard replaced.
And who could be better than the same man who replaced Rodri at half-time in the UEFA Euro 2024 final, putting in a stellar performance to help Spain to victory? Zubimendi will have to do the job for months, rather than 45 minutes, but he's proven he's up to the task.
Upgrade? (2/5): No one better than Rodri
We might not see him for the rest of the season, but if the Ballon d'Or is to be taken seriously, then there is no one in the world who is an upgrade on Rodri.
Zubimendi will have a starting place locked down for half a season, but he will struggle for minutes next season once his compatriot returns.
Logic (2.5/5): Better options for Martin
Meeting the release clause makes a lot of sense for City, who are in dreadful form and need to get someone in quickly to provide a confidence boost if nothing else.
At 25, Zubimendi will want to guarantee the move he makes away from his boyhood club is the right one, and being a stop-gap for City while other grand European clubs are monitoring him will not look too appealing.
Whisper+ verdict: 16/25
It seems obvious for City to go after him while they can afford to bypass negotiations, but City's problems aren't Zubimendi's, and a move elsewhere looks more likely.
