Manchester City have reportedly set their sights on Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde as a potential option to step in for Rodri, but prying the Uruguayan star away from the Santiago Bernabeu won’t be an easy task.
Rodri, one of Pep Guardiola’s key midfield figures, faces a lengthy recovery after an ACL injury that could keep him sidelined for the entire season. With the Spanish midfielder possibly out for the long term, City are actively exploring options to fill the gap.
Interestingly, while there have been whispers about Rodri himself attracting interest from clubs like Real Madrid, City’s focus seems to be on reinforcing their midfield to cope with his absence. Reports from Fichajes claim that Valverde, a versatile and dynamic midfielder, is high on Guardiola’s radar. Known for his flexibility, Valverde can operate centrally, in attacking roles, and even on the right wing—qualities that make him an appealing candidate to cover for Rodri’s all-encompassing role.
However, convincing Real Madrid to part with Valverde may prove nearly impossible. The 26-year-old has been a fixture in Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup and boasts a staggering €1 billion release clause, a clear statement of how highly Real Madrid values him. The Spanish giants are reportedly determined to keep Valverde, given his importance within Ancelotti’s tactical setup and his commitment to the club.
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In light of these challenges, City appears to be exploring additional midfield options. Sources indicate that Crystal Palace’s young standout, Adam Wharton, is another player on the shortlist. The 20-year-old Englishman has been making waves at Selhurst Park and is viewed as a promising long-term option to eventually take over from Rodri. While Palace are unlikely to let Wharton go in January, there’s growing speculation they might struggle to retain him beyond the current season.
Beyond Valverde and Wharton, City has cast a wide net in the search for midfield reinforcements. Inter Milan’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu and Nicolò Barella, Atalanta’s Ederson, and Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi have all caught City’s attention. Each of these players brings unique qualities that could fit Guardiola’s midfield system, though it remains to be seen who City will prioritize as they look for an immediate and long-term solution.
Valverde aside, City’s transfer ambitions are part of a broader context of uncertainty within the club. Guardiola’s future, for instance, has come under the spotlight amid a rare run of four consecutive losses, including a recent 2-1 defeat to Brighton. This slip has placed City five points behind league leaders Liverpool, raising questions about their title aspirations this season.
Guardiola, who has hinted at an interest in international management, has reportedly been approached by the Brazilian Football Association multiple times this season. Although his City contract runs through the end of this season, the allure of leading Brazil in the 2030 World Cup could give him something to consider, even if he’s expected to sign a short-term extension with City.
Meanwhile, City is also eyeing exciting young talent for the future. Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, one of Europe’s brightest attacking midfield prospects, has been linked with a potential move. Although it would likely take a significant bid—rumored to be no less than £90 million—to secure his services, City appears keen to bring him into their ranks in 2025. However, they will face stiff competition from Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich, as well as Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea.
As City maneuvers through this critical period, they’ll need to balance immediate needs with long-term strategy. The midfield search to cover Rodri’s absence, Guardiola’s potential future outside the Etihad, and high-stakes competition for top young talent will shape the next phase of City’s evolution. Whether Valverde, Wharton, or another star eventually dons the sky-blue kit, City’s pursuit of midfield reinforcement shows they’re leaving no stone unturned in their quest to stay at the top.
