Man City transfer news: Rodri replacement revealed

September 28, 2024La Liga

The gravitas of Rodri’s situation was immediately obvious when the Man City midfielder stayed down after a challenge during the Arsenal game.

A hush descended over the Etihad Stadium, and the fears of club supporters and staff were confirmed in the week after it was confirmed that the Spaniard had suffered an ACL tear and meniscus issues.

?? Pep Guardiola: “Unfortunately Rodri got the worst outcome”.

“He got surgery this morning, ACL and some meniscus. This season is over for Rodri”.

“Next season, he will be here”. pic.twitter.com/10EbPuon9n

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 27, 2024

Clearly, the reigning Premier League champions can’t go the entire 2024/25 season without replacing a player who has become vital to their aspirations.

Given the shadow he casts over City’s midfield, there aren’t too many players that would be able to come in and not be overawed by the task set before them either.

City appear to have quickly identified who they want, and it’s resulted in Pep Guardiola casting an eye towards his old club, Barcelona.

City looking at de Jong to replace Rodri

According to Madrid-Barcelona, Pep wants Frenkie de Jong to fill the huge void Rodri’s absence has created, however, that door was quickly shut in his face.

The outlet also note Hansi Flick offered a firm ‘no’ to the thought of any deal that would take the (currently injured) Dutchman to the North West giants.

Although Football Transfers note that de Jong is open to a move away from Barcelona if the wages he’s owed (approximately €18m) are paid up, that would seem to be in direct opposition to Flick’s own wishes.