Report: Liverpool and Man City both want to sign the same £29m midfielder if Martin Zubimendi snubs them again
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Martin Zubimendi remains a target for both Liverpool and Manchester City ahead of the January transfer window.
The two English rivals have had very contrasting seasons.
Liverpool are flying and are now the favourites to win the Premier League title, while Manchester City are going through the roughest patch in Pep Guardiola’s career.
The January transfer window is right around the corner, and both clubs could do with a new midfielder. Zubimendi is the dream target, but there is a backup option on their lists.
Liverpool and Manchester City eye Samuele Ricci move if they can’t get Martin Zubimendi
Zubimendi has been a big target for several English clubs for a while now.
Liverpool tried extremely hard to sign the Real Sociedad midfielder. A deal even looked like it would be done at one point last summer.
However, Zubimendi rejected Liverpool and decided to stay at San Sebastian.
TBR Football revealed in September that despite huge interest from England, Zubimendi has decided that he wants to join Real Madrid.
That, however, hasn’t stopped Liverpool and Manchester City from continuing to monitor his situation, but Sport Mediaset reveal that both clubs have an alternative target in mind – Samuele Ricci.
Torino are desperate to tie Ricci down to a new contract – his current deal runs out in 2026. So far, there has been no agreement, and a January departure has not been ruled out.
The Italian club’s president, Roberto Cairo, has slapped a £29 million price tag on Ricci, and it has been claimed that both Liverpool and Manchester City are interested in him.
However, the priority for both clubs is Zubimendi, and it has been suggested that whoever misses out on the Spaniard could turn their attention to Ricci next month.
READ MORE:Real Sociedad send a clear message to Liverpool, Man City and Arsenal over Martin Zubimendi
Samuele Ricci vs Martin Zubimendi stats compared
Both Liverpool and Manchester City should look to strengthen their midfield in January.
Guardiola’s side will definitely be on the market to replace Rodri, and signing either Ricci or Zubimendi makes a lot of sense. But, who is better?
Let’s see what the stats say…
| Stat in 2024/25 (per 90 minutes) | Martin Zubimendi | Samuele Ricci |
| Games played | 17 | 17 |
| Passes | 39.6 | 53.8 |
| Pass completion percentage | 89.3 | 84.4 |
| Key passes | 0.4 | 0.7 |
| Tackles | 1.1 | 2.5 |
| Interceptions | 0.8 | 1.4 |
| Clearances | 1.2 | 2.1 |
| Aerial duels won | 0.6 | 1.8 |
Zubimendi comes out on top in most of the above statistics. That is why the Real Socidead midfielder is on top of Liverpool and Manchester City’s wish lists.
However, if Zubimendi turns down a move to the Premier League yet again in the January transfer window, Ricci would not be a bad option at all.
The fact that the Italian is still only 23 means he will only get better in the coming years and at around £29 million, we think he would be a bargain for either club.
