Check out 5 potential midfield targets Manchester City could sign in January to replace Rodri and address their struggles with aging squad depth and defensive vulnerabilities.
After officially confirming a two-year contract extension, Pep Guardiola’s continuation as Manchester City manager has attracted considerable media attention. Talk focuses on Man City’s alarming form, including five consecutive defeats and a dramatic 3-3 draw after leading 3-0, with Rodri’s prolonged absence playing a crucial role.
The Spanish midfielder has been out for 8-9 months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, exposing the aging of City’s squad and highlighting the English champions’ urgent need to recruit quality players and team building.
Manchester City’s current tactical setup under Guardiola has made the team easily vulnerable to counter-attacks and transitions as opposing teams have found a way to play through Manchester City’s press. Defending champions often lack the athleticism and physicality to cover large areas of space in transition.
Also read: Archie Gray linked with January loan move to Leicester City
With the January transfer window approaching, it is imperative that Man City find a temporary replacement for Rodri if they are to mount a credible defense of their title. Use statistics, data and transfer value; We’ll explore five realistic targets the Citizens could consider signing in the next transfer window:
5. N’golo Kanté (Al Ittihad)
A proven Premier League player with exceptional ground covering ability, Kante’s excellent defensive skills, high energy and ball winning abilities make him a formidable force in midfield. The 33-year-old Frenchman proved he still has what it takes to compete at the top after putting in impressive performances this summer for France at EURO 2024. However, his injury history and limited playing abilities of the ball could hamper his effectiveness in Guardiola’s team. heavy possession tactics. However, a double pivot from Kovacic and Kante could change the situation for the second part of the season.
4. Ruben Neves (Al Hilal)
A Portuguese international with Premier League experience playing for Wolves, Ruben Neves’ calm and collected nature, coupled with his excellent range of passing, makes him a potential candidate. His defensive awareness and ability to protect the backline could be a valuable asset. Still only 27 years old and in his prime, Neves’ market value of $40 million makes him a feasible target for the champions. His impressive quality of possession was a vital part of Al Hilal’s record-breaking campaign last season (2023/2024), with a success rate of 91.7%.
3. Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)
Although he is no longer in favor at Bayern Munich, the German’s powerful physique, box-to-box abilities and strong passing range could provide a different dynamic to City’s midfield. His goal threat and ability to get forward could add an extra dimension to City’s attack. While his defensive abilities may not be as strong as Rodri’s, his current contract situation at Bayern could be exploited by City as a temporary solution to the team’s vulnerability on the counterattack. The 29-year-old’s tackling abilities could also help prevent opposing teams from exploiting transitions.
2. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
Also read: Leicester City’s midfield dilemma: who should step in?
It might be difficult to convince the Spaniard to move to Man City in January, but Zubimendi’s strong defensive abilities, excellent ball-playing skills and calmness under pressure make him the ideal replacement for Rodri. His style of play aligns well with Guardiola’s system, as his ability to progress the ball from the early build-up would give City much-needed control against transitions. However, his relative inexperience at the top level and his £60 million transfer value could be limiting factors to consider.
1. Ederson (Atalanta)
The 25-year-old defensive midfielder is a key player for Gasperini’s Atalanta and could be a perfect fit for Guardiola’s City. Similar in his style of play to Fernandinho, Ederson possesses the athleticism and physicality that Manchester City desperately need at the heart of midfield, with 188 ball recoveries in 36 Serie A matches last season (2023/2024). His success rate of 71.4% in the Europa League was a key factor in Atalanta’s success last season, with his tactical discipline a standout quality for the Brazilian. Ederson’s inclusion in City’s squad would give Guardiola’s technical players the platform to express themselves.