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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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.

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.

A younger but equally exciting prospect in 23-year-old Italian midfielder Samuele Ricci