"Smart and cost-effective" - Man City identify La Liga midfielder as ideal Rodri replacement?

Rodri, who claimed the Ballon d'Or at the end of October, suffered a severe knee injury against Arsenal on September 22, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament and being ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The Citizens endured a difficult spell, losing four consecutive Premier League matches before a midweek 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest ended the streak, highlighting the team's struggles without the 28-year-old in midfield.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, speculation has been growing over who Man City might target to fill the gap left by the Spaniard during his injury absence, and it seems that the defending league champions may now have found an ideal candidate.

Man City eyeing Pepelu ahead of January transfer window

According to Football Transfers, Man City scouts have identified Valencia midfielder Pepelu as the perfect candidate to step in for Rodri while the Spaniard recovers from his ACL injury.

The report further states that the Citizens' scouts have performed data analysis and reviewed video footage of several matches showcasing the 26-year-old.

It is understood that Man City's recruitment team views Pepelu as a potentially "smart and cost-effective" January signing as they look to revive their season.

Pep Guardiola's side is currently in fourth place in the Premier League, two points behind Chelsea and Arsenal, and nine points adrift of league leaders Liverpool.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery and Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi have also been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium in recent weeks.

Who is Valencia star Pepelu?

Guardiola is not looking to sign a player solely to replace Rodri in the short term but is believed to also be thinking long-term, and Pepelu fits that vision.

The midfielder has quickly become a key player under head coach Ruben Baraja and featured in nearly every La Liga match for Los Ches last season, playing 3,215 minutes across 36 of the 38 games.

The 26-year-old has made an impressive start to the current campaign as well, already with four goal contributions to his name in 11 games across all competitions this term.

Pepelu joined Valencia from Levante for a fee of around £4.2m in July 2023, and his current contract, which runs until June 2028, is believed to include a release clause set at £82m.

Man City are set to travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

Written by

Devesh Jaganath