Man City, Liverpool Eyes Zubimendi Ready To Leave Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is reportedly ready to leave his boyhood club in 2025.

Zubimendi, 25, was a key target for Liverpool in the summer after winning the Euros with Spain, but opted to stay at Sociedad for the ‘food and hikes’.

He has also emerged as a potential signing for Manchester City in recent weeks amid their slump in form, while key midfielder Rodri is also expected to miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury.

The Premier League pair have now received a potential boost to their hopes of signing Zubimendi, as he is now coming around to the idea of moving on from Sociedad, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein via Sport.

It is understood that Zubimendi’s exit could be as early as next month when the January transfer window opens, with Sociedad powerless to stop him leaving if his €60m (£50m) release clause is triggered and he wants to go.

Arsenal are also understood to be monitoring Zubimendi’s situation, but Liverpool and City are most likely to battle for his signature.

Missing out on Zubimendi was viewed as a major blow for Liverpool prior to the season getting underway, but they have since enjoyed an almost perfect start under Arne Slot to open up a handsome lead at the top of the Premier League.

The emergence of Ryan Gravenberch as a holding midfielder has transformed Liverpool’s style of play and ensured they have still thrived without Zubimendi.

However, Liverpool retain their interest in Zubimendi and could look to sign him to further bolster their midfield options.

City’s need to land Zubimendi is arguably greater given their current predicament. Pep Guardiola’s side are without a win in their last seven outings and have looked lightweight in midfield in the absence of Rodri.

Guardiola has tried plugging the gap with the likes of Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Rico Lewis but has been unable to find a solution, and City are now 11 points adrift of leaders Liverpool.

Some believe they are already out of the title race, and it is widely accepted that a rebuild is needed to rejuvenate their ageing squad...CLICK TO READ THE FULL NEWS HERE▶▶

Zubimendi appears to fit the age profile that City would want, and could ease the burden on Rodri when he returns while also fixing their current midfield crisis..