Pep Guardiola has confirmed his plan to bring in new players at Manchester City during the January transfer window.
City picked up just their second win in 14 games across all competitions as the defending Premier League champions signed off on 2024 with a 2-0 win at Leicester City.
The final weeks of 2024 have been dominated by City’s poor form with Guardiola indicating he is not anticipating a title challenge in 2025.
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The Spanish coach also stated in his post-match interview that he will look into new signings as his squad ‘needs help in January’ due to injuries.
With midfield lynchpin Rodri Hernandez sidelined until the summer, following knee surgery, a specialist No.6 was rumoured to be Guardiola’s No.1 target.
However, reports from TBR Football claim his preferred choice of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi has opted against a move to Manchester.
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Martin Zubimendi’s Real Sociedad contract, transfer value
Zubimendi hit the headlines over the summer after he rejected a move to Liverpool at the last minute with the Reds prepared to activate his £51m ($65m) release clause in San Sebastian.
La Real will not accept anything less than the full clause with Zubimendi’s contract in San Sebastian running until 2027.
The latest report indicates Zubimendi has not changed his mind over swapping La Liga for the Premier League – despite rumours of a change of heart – and the 25-year-old should remain in place.
City could try again in the summer but they are also tracking other options including Newcastle United playmaker Bruno Guimaraes.
