Why rumour now coming from Manchester City could actually spell bad news for Liverpool - opinion

09/24/2024 04:15 AM

Liverpool fans have often kept a close eye on developments at Manchester City in recent times – as the pair battle for Premier League titles.

Now, there is a potentially significant piece of news on the way.

It is yet to be confirmed by Manchester City, but there are rumours that Rodri could miss the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign, after damaging his knee in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal.

Nobody should celebrate injuries to any player, although Liverpool fans might feel they now have a realistic chance of winning the Premier League this term, if the hugely influential Spaniard is sidelined.

However, there is another reason why a serious injury to Rodri may actually spell bad news for Liverpool…

Liverpool could now face Martin Zubimendi competition from Manchester City

Back in October 2023, it was suggested by Mundo Deportivo that Manchester City were scouting Martin Zubimendi – who was, of course, a prime target for Liverpool during the summer transfer window.

The Spain international eventually decided to stay with Real Sociedad.

Despite the midfielder’s decision, Liverpool could make another attempt to sign Zubimendi in January, with Arne Slot still keen to bring a new No.6 to Anfield – according to Fabrizio Romano.

However, those plans could well be scuppered if Rodri is genuinely injured.

Why Rodri injury may scupper Arne Slot plans

As we all know, Manchester City are a financial juggernaut who can splash £50m on a player with little thought behind the move, as we saw when the Citizens signed Kalvin Phillips, only to hand him just two Premier League starts in two seasons before casting him aside on loan to West Ham and then Ipswich.

Therefore, it would not surprise us one bit if Manchester City swooped in and paid Zubimendi’s £51.3m release clause in full during the January transfer window.

Of course, the Real Sociedad No.4 could still choose to join Liverpool, but the lure of working under a legend in Pep Guardiola, for a side who tend to always win at least one trophy per season, could be too difficult to resist.

Be sure to keep an eye on this situation – Manchester City are yet to confirm rumours of a serious injury to Rodri, but with the likes of TNT Sports and BBC Sport already posting about the leaks, it could well be true.