Exclusive: Man City decide the defensive midfielder they most want to sign as Martin Zubimendi move ruled out
12/29/2024 08:45 AM
TBR Football can exclusively reveal that Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes remains a long-term target for Manchester City with a move for Martin Zubimendi now appearing unlikely.
Man City are not expected to make an offer for Zubimendi in January as the midfielder remains reluctant over a move to England. Arsenal, City and Liverpool have been keen to land Zubimendi, however, all three top-flight English clubs are unlikely to tempt him to the Premier League this winter.
As TBR Football has learned, the Euro 2024 winner’s priority is to remain in Spain and the Premier League champions may have to turn their attention elsewhere.
Martin Zubimendi unlikely to make Premier League switch
No bids from the Premier League are expected in January for Martin Zubimendi who has not shown a willingness to move to England, sources have told TBR Football's chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.
That was the same case back in the summer when Liverpool failed to sign Zubimendi. Despite his £51 million release clause, Sociedad’s sporting director said he expected Zubimendi to remain in January as the player was not agitating for a move away.
TBR Football has been told that Real Madrid have joined the race to sign the 25-year-old and he could become a target for Los Blancos next summer.
Things could yet change across January with Zubimendi and should he have a change of heart over a move to the English top-flight, an offer from one of the league’s top clubs could arrive.
But for now, Pep Guardiola’s team will have to look elsewhere in their hunt for an alternative to Rodri and Bruno Guimaraes remains a long-term target for them. TBR Football first revealed Man City’s interest in Guimaraes back in November.
Bruno Guimaraes remains Man City’s long-term target
Any move for Guimaraes will most likely have to wait until the summer as the midfielder could be priced out of a move in January. Newcastle will of course make it near impossible for the Brazilian to move during the middle of the season as losing such a key player would have serious implications for their season.
Eddie Howe’s team are making a strong push for the European spots, although to keep players like Alexander Isak and Guimaraes happy they will likely need Champions League football. Failure to reach Europe’s elite competition could see a deal become possible for less than the £100 million release clause Guimaraes had last summer.
