‘Man City have significant concerns about Rodri’ as new transfer plan emerges
Man City are working to identify a number of potential midfield reinforcements amid ongoing concerns about Rodri’s recovery from his recent injury.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that Pep Guardiola is aiming to bolster his midfield in the January transfer window.
Rodri missed 53 games for club and country with a torn cruciate ligament, and complications following his recovery have seen him miss an additional 15 fixtures.
The Spain international was not deemed fit to play as Man City beat Fulham 5-4 on Tuesday, but is now eyeing a return ahead of their clash against Real Madrid.
However, doubts about the lingering issues caused by his major injury as he approaches his 30s has led City to consider potential long-term alternatives.
Rodri injury concerns set alarm bells ringing at the Etihad
Football Insider revealed in October that Man City are not prioritising a Rodri replacement as things stand despite his lingering injury issues.
However, amid growing concerns, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted City have begun seeking potential alternatives.
“Man City have significant concerns about Rodri,” he told Football Insider.
“They hoped he would be back playing regularly by now, but he’s had multiple setbacks in his recovery and different injuries he’s picked up off the back of the big one.
“Every time he gets close or makes a comeback, something else seems to come up.
“We’ve had similar conversations about Luke Shaw before, where a week-long injury would lead to a month and he never seemed to quite get back to fitness.
“He’s back in the United side as a regular player now, but the same seems to be happening to Rodri, which of course is a blow to Man City.
“If he can’t stay fit for an extended period, they’ll need to bring in somebody who can.
“They’ve been looking at a few options, seeing who might be available and who best suits their team, just in case they need to go and buy somebody.
“But as I said, if Rodri can’t stay fit, it might force them to spend in his position.”
Man City weighing up Rodri alternatives
Amid their ongoing concerns about Rodri’s injury issues, Man City have set their sights on multiple options to strengthen at the base of their midfield.
Chief among those is Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, as Football Insider revealed Man City could step up their interest in Anderson ahead of the January window.
The England international has become one of the most highly sought-after players in the Premier League, and is also wanted by the likes of Liverpool and Man United.
In the meantime, Football Insider revealed in October that Man City plan to offer Rodri a new contract to cement his place at the Etihad long-term.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in August that Man City are concerned about Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri as they eye a free transfer in 2028.
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