New Delhi: Manchester City have multiple big name players, all of whom are extremely important to the way Pep Guardiola likes to set up his tactics. Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, and Bernardo Silva, all have proven to be vital to City success however, if the past few weeks have shown us anything, it’s that none of these players are even remotely as indispensable as their midfield general, Rodri.
For the first time in almost forever, Manchester City look vulnerable having just lost four games in a row. Manager Pep Guardiola had never lost four consecutive games and the absence of Rodri helped him create this unwanted history. The injury to their midfield talisman, Rodri, has left a gaping hole in Pep Guardiola’s usually unshakable system. With the Spaniard ruled out for the rest of the season, the search for a replacement seems to be becoming a necessity.
There are plenty of options for the Catalan to consider from across the globe but finding the ideal replacement for the 28-year-old will be far from an easy task. With that said, here’s a look at some options that the club can look towards.
9) Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City/Ipswich Town)
If Phillips isn’t being called back when Rodri is injured, it’s safe to assume that his time at the Etihad is over. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)
Starting with the one who was brought into the club for the very purpose of being Rodri’s replacement, Kalvin Philips has struggled to establish himself in the midfield of the Premier League champions. The England international has struggled for game time since his move from Leeds United, but his performances in the few opportunities he’s had have been solid. Currently out on loan at Ipswich in a bid to rebuild his reputation, it does seem that his time at the Etihad may be coming to an end.
While not the most glamorous option, Phillips could prove to be a reliable stopgap if City fail to land any of their January targets. His familiarity with Guardiola’s system gives him an edge over external candidates, but whether Guardiola sees him as a long-term solution remains to be seen. He could be called back from his loan in what could be his final chance to command a starting place in Pep’s squad but it remains to be a long shot.
8)Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
Pep could turn to his former club in times of desperation. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Ever since he’s moved to Barcelona, Frenkie de Jong always seems to be linked with a move away from the Catalan club. He has been linked with a move to the Premier League for a number of years and given Barca’s financial situation, it seems like they could be tempted into selling the Dutchman. While his form and fitness at Barcelona have dipped recently, the 27-year-old possesses the technical ability and footballing intelligence to thrive in Guardiola’s system.
De Jong’s vast experience in domestic and European football makes him an appealing option. However, his current situation at Barcelona suggests he’s not a priority target for City—at least not in January. Adding to that, he doesn’t seem to offer exactly what Rodri does, making him a not so like-for-like replacement for the Spaniard, similarly to the next player that appears on the list.
7) Nicolò Barella (Inter Milan)
Nicolo Barella has long been a dream signing for Pep Guardiola. (Photo Credit: AFP)
If City want the best of the best, Nicolò Barella is the dream target. The 27-year-old Italian has been instrumental in Inter Milan’s domestic and European success in recent years and would slot seamlessly into Guardiola’s midfield. While he is a talented midfielder who is appreciated by Guardiola, even he isn’t the most like-for-like replacement for Rodri and seems to be more in the mould of Mateo Kovacic.
Reports suggest Guardiola “would love to sign” Barella, but a January move seems improbable. Inter are unlikely to part ways with their star player mid-season, making this one for the future rather than an immediate solution. While it remains to be a dream signing for City, don’t be surprised to see Pep come back for the Italian now that he has once again, committed to staying at Manchester City.
6)Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)
Vicent Kompany could do his former manager a favour as he isn’t in Kompany’s plans. (Photo by Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
It’s baffling to see how much Leon Goretzka’s stock has fallen over these past few years. Just a few years ago, he used to be considered as one of the best midfielders in the world but now finds himself out of favour at Bayern Munich. He might be an unlikely candidate, but his name has surfaced nonetheless. The 29-year-old German midfielder has fallen out of favor at Bayern Munich and could be looking for a fresh start.
While he has been linked to the club, even Goretzka isn’t a like-for-like Rodri replacement, but his physicality and box-to-box style could add a different dimension to City’s midfield. His Champions League experience is a bonus, but his potential availability depends on Bayern’s willingness to sell mid-season. With City legend Vincent Kompany at the helm in Bavaria, the defending champions could seek a favour from an old friend if required.
5) Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter Milan)
Hakan Calhanoglu could be an ideal stop-gap solution for Manchester City. (Image via Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s ‘X’)
If City are looking for experience, Hakan Çalhanoğlu fits the bill. The 30-year-old Turkish midfielder has a wealth of Champions League experience and has thrived in a defensive midfield role for Inter Milan. While he started his career as an attacking midfielder, ever since swapping sides within Milan, he has become an excellent defensive midfielder for Simeone Inzaghi.
Reports suggest Inter “could be open” to selling Çalhanoğlu, making him a realistic January target. His ability to dictate play, take on set-piece responsibilities, and push forward when needed offers Guardiola a tactical edge. While his age might not make him a long-term solution, his experience could provide City with immediate stability. His past as an attacking midfielder might also help him match Rodri’s often-unnoticed goal contributions.
4) Ederson (Atalanta)
Man City could look to add another Ederson to their ranks. (Image via Xtrafoot’s ‘X’)
Not to be confused with City’s goalkeeper, this 25-year-old Brazilian midfielder is another intriguing option. A central figure at Atalanta, Ederson has demonstrated his ability to adapt to different roles in midfield, whether as a defensive anchor or a more advanced playmaker. He was an excellent cog in Atalanta’s midfield last season, helping them lift their first major trophy in a long while, the UEFA Europa League.
While he’s a long-term investment given his age, his relative lack of experience in elite European competitions might raise eyebrows. This season marks his Champions League debut, and while his performances have been solid, City will need to decide if they’re willing to bet big on potential rather than proven pedigree. Arsenal have made a habit of collecting Gabriels in their squad, why can’t City do the same with Edersons?
3) Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Adam Wharton could be the long-term successor to Rodri. (Image via Transfer News Live’s ‘X’)
At just 20 years old, Adam Wharton is the youngest player on this list and arguably the biggest wildcard. After a breakout season at Crystal Palace, the left-footed midfielder earned a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024. Wharton has been a revelation since signing from Blackburn and Palace will have to fight hard to keep the 20-year-old at the club in the coming transfer windows.
However, injuries and a dip in form have stalled his progress this season. While a January move seems unlikely given his current groin surgery recovery, Wharton remains a name to watch for the future. His natural balance and composure in midfield could make him an ideal understudy for Rodri in the years to come. While he might not be an option for this window, City should surely look to sign him in the 2025 summer transfer window if they decide against signing anyone in the winter window.
2) Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
Zubimendi is currently the most in-demand defensive midfielder. (Image via Marito’s ‘X’)
The 25-year-old Spaniard has been the name on everyone’s lips since Rodri’s injury. Zubimendi’s profile is eerily similar to Rodri’s: calm on the ball, positionally intelligent, and capable of dictating play from deep. His ability to seamlessly step into a defensive midfield role or push slightly forward makes him a versatile option for City’s fluid system. However, having just rejected Liverpool in the summer to stay with his boyhood club, it remains to be seen whether his mind would’ve changed in these last six months.
Zubimendi was particularly impressive in the Euro 2024 final when he replaced Rodri at half-time and helped Spain clinch the title against England. His £51.7 million release clause is unlikely to deter City, who have the financial muscle to make this move happen. However, with only one season of Champions League experience under his belt, some might question whether he’s ready to handle the pressure of leading City’s midfield.
1) Samuele Ricci (Torino)
Ricci seems like City’s most realistic transfer target. (Image via Milan Posts’ ‘X’)
One of the earliest touted names on the list, 23-year-old Samuele Ricci has been on City’s radar since Rodri’s injury. The Italian was one of the first names that popped up as Rodri’s replacement when news broke that the Spaniard would miss the entire season. Scouts reportedly attended Torino’s clash against Inter Milan to assess the Italian midfielder, who has rapidly risen to prominence with the national team.
Ricci’s versatility—he can operate as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box midfielder—aligns well with Guardiola’s tactical demands. However, his lack of European club competition experience could be a sticking point. That said, his admiration for Rodri (he’s openly admitted to studying videos of the Spaniard) suggests he’d relish the chance to learn alongside him. He could be one of the more realistic options to replace Rodri.
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri was ruled out for the season following an ACL injury and Manchester City seem to be struggling without him. Who can manager Pep Guardiola turn to as a replacement for the Spaniard? Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
