Kimmich, Zubimendi and three more Rodri transfer alternatives Man City should target in January

With Manchester City suffering their fifth loss in a row on Saturday, the question many City fans have been asking for years now feels more pertinent than ever to ask.

When will City sign a much-needed backup for Rodri? Despite the lavish presentation for his Ballon d’Or win, the Spaniard’s absence was clearly felt as Spurs comfortably humbled the champions.

So, who can City sign in this coming January transfer window, and will it be enough to save their season? Here’s five potential players City could sign in January.

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Martin Zubimendi

The Spanish 25-year-old midfielder from Real Sociedad has been on City’s radar for some time now. After rejecting Liverpool in the summer, Zubimendi became heavily linked with a move to the Etihad in early October.

His control of the midfield in both tracking back and moving forward is a quality in Rodri that can be seen in Zubimendi. A move in January for him could greatly bolster a City midfield consisting of a struggling Ilkay Gundogan and injury-prone Kevin De Bruyne.

Éderson

Things may seem desperate for City right now, but we’re not suggesting bringing the 31-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper into City’s midfield.

Instead, we’re suggesting bringing the 25-year-old Brazilian defensive midfielder to the Etihad from Atalanta. Another player that’s been on City’s radar for his pace, strength and play-making. A player that can defend one minute and attack the next. He is a player Guardiola will surely have his eye on in January.

Samuele Ricci

A younger but equally exciting prospect in 23-year-old Italian midfielder Samuele Ricci could be exactly what City need.

Admired for his technique on the ball in both ball retention and play-making, Ricci could be the one to spring life back into City’s aging midfield.

If City are to sign him from Torino, they will be facing competition from AC Milan and Arsenal to secure his signature.

Joshua Kimmich

While City fans may get excited over links to young, exciting, prospects, it may be more in City’s interest to look for experience over youth.

The 29-year-old German midfielder has been at Bayern Munich for almost a decade. Signed by Guardiola in January 2015, Kimmich has gone on to become a solid staple of the Bayern midfield.

His experience as a ball-winning, versatile, play-making defensive midfielder could be exactly what City need to avert their current crisis.

Frankie De Jong

While not quite as old as Kimmich, De Jong shows his experience and command in Barca’s midfield. Since bursting onto the scene in Ajax’s iconic 2019 team, the Dutchman has gone on to become one of the best midfielders in Europe.

While he’s more known for his role as a central midfielder, De Jong can easily play in the defensive role Rodri plays. To acquire his signature in January, City will likely have to pay a record fee but it might be time to break the bank to break their bad run of form.