Manchester City’s Midfield Conundrum: Potential Replacements for Rodri

With four consecutive defeats and Rodri sidelined for the season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Manchester City faces a pressing need to reinforce their midfield. Although Mateo Kovacic has stepped in, his struggles have left Pep Guardiola’s side exposed to counterattacks. Here’s a breakdown of the players reportedly linked with City and how they might fill the void left by Rodri.

Top Contenders for January Signing

  1. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
    • Profile: Defensive midfielder, occasionally plays further forward.
    • Highlights: Played alongside Rodri for Spain, impressing in the Euro 2024 final.
    • Stats: Best defensive numbers among contenders, with 2.6 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, and 2.2 clearances per 90 minutes.
    • Pros: Experience in international tournaments, £51.7m release clause makes him affordable.
    • Cons: Limited Champions League exposure.
  2. Ederson (Atalanta)
    • Profile: Versatile central midfielder.
    • Highlights: Key figure for Atalanta and capable of playing various midfield roles.
    • Pros: A long-term investment at 25, known for consistency.
    • Cons: First season in the Champions League may raise concerns about adaptability.
  3. Samuele Ricci (Torino)
    • Profile: Defensive or central midfielder.
    • Highlights: Regular for Italy since Euro 2024, seen as a rising star.
    • Pros: Studied Rodri’s game for inspiration, could thrive in City’s system.
    • Cons: No European competition experience.
  4. Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Inter Milan)
    • Profile: Defensive midfielder with attacking versatility.
    • Highlights: Vast Champions League experience.
    • Pros: Immediate impact due to experience, strong passing into the final third.
    • Cons: At 30, not a long-term solution.
  5. Tijjani Reijnders (AC Milan)
    • Profile: Central midfielder with offensive tendencies.
    • Highlights: Has Champions League experience and complements defensive midfielders.
    • Pros: Strong passing game, versatile role.
    • Cons: Less defensive than other candidates.
  6. Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan)
    • Profile: All-round midfielder.
    • Highlights: Key player for Inter’s domestic and European success.
    • Pros: Dream signing for Guardiola, offers versatility and skill.
    • Cons: Unlikely to move in January.

Outliers and Unlikely Options

  • Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace): Left-footed balance but currently injured.
  • Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona): Experienced yet battling fitness issues.
  • Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich): Unlikely fit due to his less defensive style.

Rodri’s Irreplaceable Role

Replacing Rodri is a monumental task. His stats from the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons highlight his dominance:

  • Passing: 102.9 successful passes per game, 92.5% accuracy.
  • Defensive Work: 6.2 duels won, 2.2 tackles per game.
  • Versatility: A defensive anchor who also drives play forward.

Rodri’s evolution into the world’s best defensive midfielder underscores the challenge for any newcomer to match his influence at City.

Final Thoughts

City’s decision hinges on whether they prioritize a like-for-like defensive midfielder or a versatile, ball-playing option. Zubimendi’s defensive solidity and Ricci’s potential are strong fits, while Çalhanoğlu and Reijnders offer attacking balance. With Guardiola’s track record of player development, whoever joins will be expected to rise to the challenge and complement Rodri upon his return.