Manchester City set to launch January move for 26-year-old La Liga star as Rodri replacement: Reports
Manchester City have identified Valencia midfielder Pepelu as the ideal replacement for Rodri in January, according to Football Transfers (via football365.com). The Cityzens are without their star midfielder, who ruptured his ACL in September this year.
Rodri has been indispensable for City in recent years and powered them to the Premier League title last season. He lifted Euro 2024 with Spain over the summer and has also won the Ballon d'Or this year ahead of Vinicius Junior.
In his absence, Manchester City have fallen to fourth in the Premier League after 14 games, nine points behind leaders Liverpool. City lost six of their seven games across competitions before midweek's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
With Rodri unlikely to return to action this season, Pep Guardiola is eager to address the position in January. The former Barcelona manager has identified Pepelu as the ideal man for the job.
The English champions have extensively scouted the player and watched video analysis to conclude that he will fit the role. The 26-year-old is also being seen as a cost effective option for the postion in January.
Furthermore, Manchester City believe that Pepelu will also be a solid backup for Rodri once he returns to fitness next year. The Valencia midfielder has registered two goals and two assists from 13 games across competitions this season.
Pepelu's contract at the Mestalla runs until 2028. However, the club's financial woes are well documented and City could prise him away for a decent fee.
Are Manchester City eyeing Nico Williams?
Meanwhile, Rodri believes Manchester City should make a move for Nico Williams next year. The Spanish forward was outstanding for Athletic Bilbao last season and won Euro 2024 alongside Rodri this summer.
While he hasn't reached the same heights this season, his stock remains high. Barcelona are long-term admirers of the 22-year-old and are expected to be in the mix for his services next summer.
Speaking to AS (via Team Talk), Rodri insisted that he would definitely welcome Williams to the Etihad.
“Yes, yes (if he would take Williams to Manchester City tomorrow). Right now if I was taking him I would also be taking him to teach him a little bit about the cold in England, although it’s similar to Bilbao. But yes, I would take him with me without a doubt,” said Rodri.
Williams has registered two goals and five assists from 19 games across competitions this season for Bilbao.