Xabi Alonso has already explained why Man City should move for £51m Rodri alternative Liverpool love

Manchester City have a big decision to make in January over whether they target an alternative for Rodri, with the Spain international set to miss the rest of the season with a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Rodri has been vital to City's success since his move from Atletico Madrid in 2019 but Pep Guardiola is now set to be without his star midfielder for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign.

City have not been known to panic in the transfer market and won't make any rash decisions. But with Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic all the wrong side of 30, there is an argument they need to freshen up their midfield options in the near future regardless of Rodri's physical condition.

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No midfielder in the world can upgrade what Rodri brings to City. But any signing wouldn't be a direct replacement anyway and a move in January could prove to be the difference as they look to retain their Premier League title for a record fifth season in a row.

And one option that has been mentioned in the Spanish press is a move for Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

According to Relevo, City are monitoring the 25-year-old, who attracted interest from City's Premier League title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool in the summer.

In fact, he almost joined Liverpool but backtracked on a move after terms were agreed between the two clubs to stay at Sociedad for another season.

However, the temptation to play under Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium may prove to be too much to resist and City could look to activate his