Discover 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 continued tenure as Manchester City manager has sparked significant media attention. Discussions center on Man City’s alarming form, including five consecutive losses and a dramatic 3-3 draw after leading 3-0, with Rodri’s long-term absence playing a crucial role.
The Spanish midfielder has been sidelined for 8-9 months due to an ACL injury, exposing City’s aging squad and highlighting the English champions’ urgent need for quality player recruitment and squad reinforcement.
Manchester City’s current tactical setup under Guardiola has left the team easily susceptible to counterattacks and transitions as opposition teams have found a way to play through Manchester City’s press. The reigning 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 around the corner, it’s imperative that Man City find a stop-gap Rodri replacement if they are to mount any credible defense of their title. Using statistics, data & transfer value; We will be exploring five realistic targets the Citizens could look towards recruiting in the upcoming transfer window:
5. N’golo Kante (Al Ittihad)
A Premier League-proven player with exceptional ground-covering ability, Kante’s excellent defensive abilities, high energy, and ball-winning skills make him a formidable force in midfield. The 33-year-old Frenchman has proven he still has what it takes to compete at the top after delivering impressive performances during the summer for France at EURO 2024. However, his injury history and limited ball-playing abilities might hinder his effectiveness in Guardiola’s possession-heavy tactics. Yet, a double pivot of Kovacic and Kante could prove to be a game-changer for the second half of the season.
4. Ruben Neves (Al Hilal)
A Portuguese international with Premier League experience playing for Wolves, Ruben Neves’s calm and composed nature, coupled with his excellent passing range, makes him a potential candidate. His defensive awareness and ability to shield 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 in possession was a vital part of Al Hilal’s record-breaking campaign last season (2023/2024), with a pass completion rate of 91.7%.
3. Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich)
Though out of favor at Bayern Munich, the German’s powerful physique, box-to-box abilities, and strong passing range could offer a different dynamic to City’s midfield. His goal-scoring threat and ability to drive forward could add an extra dimension to City’s attack. Though his defensive capabilities might not be as strong as Rodri’s, his current contract situation at Bayern could be exploited by City as a temporary stop-gap solution to the team’s vulnerability on the counter. The 29-year-old’s hard-tackling skills could also help prevent opposition teams from exploiting transitions.
2. Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)
Also read: Leicester City’s Midfield Dilemma: Who Should Step Up?
It could 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 most ideal replacement for Rodri. His style of play aligns well with Guardiola’s system, as his ability to progress the ball from the first phase of build-up would give City much-needed control against transitions. However, his relative inexperience at the highest level and transfer value of £60 million might be limiting factors to consider.
1. Ederson (Atalanta)
The 25-year-old defensive midfielder is a key player in Gasperini’s Atalanta and could be a perfect fit for Guardiola’s City. Similar in playing style to Fernandinho, Ederson possesses the athleticism and physicality Manchester City desperately need at the heart of the midfield, with 188 ball recoveries in 36 Serie A matches last season (2023/2024). His 71.4% tackle success rate 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 the City squad would give Guardiola’s technical players the platform to express themselves.
