Manchester City fans are already looking forward to January to see if the club will sign a replacement for injured star Rodri.

Fans were left gutted by the news that Rodri suffered a serious knee injury, and he will not play again this season for Manchester City.

The 28-year-old recently underwent surgery, and is now on the road to recovery.

Pep Guardiola must now try and navigate without the highly influential Spaniard. So far, he’s done a decent job with his main man, with Mateo Kovacic stepping up.

But it’s very possible City could try and land someone from another club in January.

One player the club have been linked with recently is Martin Zubimendi, who has just come in for very high praise indeed from Luis de La Fuente.

Man City target Martin Zubimendi branded ‘one of the best in the world’

Last night, Euro 2024 winners Spain were in Nations League action against Denmark.

La Roja ran out 1-0 winners in Murcia, and really dominated the game despite the low scoreline.

The man who got the goal was Zubimendi, who is now set to play a key role for Spain in the long-term absence of Rodri.

Zubimendi replaced Rodri at half-time in the Euro final against England when the City star picked up an injury.

He is a player de la Fuente really rates highly, saying in his press conference last night (via Guillem Balague): “He’s a safe bet. Always calm, always delivers. Scoring isn’t his main role, but he’s getting there, and we’re all celebrating. One of the best in the world alongside Rodri.”

Sadly for City, any move for Zubimendi in January could be unlikely.

Earlier this week, the City transfer rumours were actually put to the player. Zubimendi suggested he wants to stay at Real Sociedad for now.

He said: “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.”

Zubimendi worth Man City’s consideration

It was an impressive showing from Zubimendi last night against Denmark, and he will surely now get plenty of opportunities in that team given the injury to Rodri.

As per Sofascore data, he was very today on the ball, completing 71/76 (93%) passes – two of which were ‘key’. He also made three tackles.

de la Fuente’s comments make for interesting reading.

Zubimendi – who is thought to have a £51 million release clause – is clearly a very talented player, and City should definitely keep tracking him despite what he said about staying at Sociedad.

Stances can quickly change in football, and City may well end up making a contract offer that Zubimendi simply cannot refuse.

Zubimendi had some solid statistics compared to Rodri last season, although it is fairly clear the City man is the top player in his position right now. The club should therefore keep a very close eye on him going forward.