Man City must fill Rodri void in January

Manchester City must sign a replacement for Ballon d’Or 2024 winner, or their season could be a washout.

Manchester City once again started the new Premier League campaign as reigning champions. They’ve won the last four titles and looked good for a fifth. However, they’re currently a team in turmoil, culminating in a run of four defeats and a draw in their last five games in all competitions. Rodri’s season-ending injury left a void that has led to this dramatic fall-off.

Rodri, 28, who recently won the coveted Ballon d’Or, is the player many consider to be the best midfielder on the planet. The Spaniard has been pivotal to the success of both City and Spain. The former Atletico Madrid man provides a huge presence in the middle of the pitch, and his impact at both ends is clear for all to see, with Rodri popping up with important defensive work and crucial goals.

However, while City didn’t have Rodri available at the start of the season due to a hamstring injury sustained at the Euros, they were able to win games and were looking good. But more recently, when things have gone against Pep Guardiola’s men on the pitch, they’ve lacked a leader and a presence. They’ve lacked a Rodri. For the first time in a long while, the most popular pick when looking at Premier League betting online may not be City due to their dismal form. But all that could change in January.

Guardiola has attempted to fill the void left by Rodri by readjusting his midfield department. Rico Lewis, Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, and Bernardo Silva have all played centrally, but it’s simply not worked. Now, the only way to solve the situation, temporarily at least, is to use the transfer market in January and bring in a player with the required profile.

Possible replacement for Rodri

If City are to do any business in the upcoming window, it will be to sign a central midfielder, and there are already reports that this is their intention. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has been linked, and he has a £50 million release clause. The drawback is that the Spaniard is already rumoured to have turned down moves to Arsenal and Liverpool, opting to remain where he is for now.

Another name that continues to be linked is Atalanta’s Ederson, who would also cost in the region of £50 million if City were to decide he’s their man. He’s said to be keen on playing in the Premier League at some point, which is a positive. However, there would be a raft of top clubs in for him if he was available for transfer, which could include high-flying Liverpool.

The reality is that City must act, and they must act fast. Their hopes of a fifth Premier League title win in a row are fading fast, and their struggles are continuing. By the time January comes around, signing a Rodri replacement could be the only way to save their season from being a total washout. 

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