Whereas the summer time switch might need solely slammed shut a matter of weeks in the past, Manchester Metropolis ought to already be planning for January following some devastating damage information final week.
Watching midfield talisman Rodri limp off within the first-half throughout Metropolis’s 2-2 stalemate in opposition to Arsenal on September twenty second, Pep Guardiola’s males at the moment are set to be with out the Spanish worldwide for the rest of the season.
Present process surgical procedure on an ACL damage, the 28-year-old actually leaves an actual void within the coronary heart of Metropolis’s midfield.
With many billing the ex-Atletico Madrid star as a possible Ballon d’Or winner this 12 months, we’ve got taken a have a look at the potential contenders to exchange Rodri throughout the January switch window.
Martin Zubimendi – Actual Sociedad
Whereas it might need appeared virtually sure over the summer time that Martin Zubimendi could be heading to Liverpool, the 25-year-old finally stayed put at Actual Sociedad following what was a shock rebuff of Arne Slot’s aspect.
Nevertheless, with the Basque-based outfit failing to search out any type of stability since opening up the brand new marketing campaign, it has been prompt that Zubimendi is already regretting his determination in turning down a Premier League change over the summer time.
Though it might need been reported that Liverpool have made it clear that they aren’t seeking to revive their curiosity when the January switch window will get underway, it has been prompt that Guardiola stays an enormous admirer of the 12-cap Spanish worldwide.
That includes for La Roja as they have been topped European champions again in July, Zubimendi seems to be excessive on Guardiola’s January wishlist and Metropolis are fascinated by activating €60million launch clause.
Enjoying the entire 90 minutes in every of Sociedad’s first 9 appearances throughout all competitions this season, the Reale Area hierarchy have accepted that it will be onerous to cease their midfield talisman rejecting one other transfer to England’s elite.
Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle
Though Newcastle might need been juggling some tight monetary restrictions over the summer time, Eddie Howe’s aspect managed to maintain influential skipper Bruno Guimaraes at St. James’ Park.
Nevertheless, with it closely prompt over the summer time that Manchester Metropolis had recognized the Brazilian famous person as their key goal, the Sky Blues might be set to reignite their curiosity over the approaching months.
With the previous Lyon star watching his reported £100million launch clause expire, it has been prompt that Guardiola belives that Guimaraes is the proper choice to return in and exchange Rodri on the coronary heart of Metropolis’s midfield.
Whereas the Magpies might need made it abundantly clear that they’re determined to maintain the 26-year-old in any respect prices, they’re nonetheless coping with some FFP restrictions and Metropolis might be keen to essentially take a look at their resolve when the January window opens up.
Rapidly turning into thought to be one among Europe’s hottest midfield stars, Guimaraes got here out second by way of league duels gained (7.88) when put next with the opposite gamers on this record – together with Rodri – final season.
Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace
Whereas Adam Wharton might need solely arrived at Selhurst Park earlier within the 12 months, the 20-year-old has solely continued on a meteoric rise since arriving at Crystal Palace.
Making an instantaneous affect after finishing an £18million transfer from Championship outfit Blackburn, Wharton has taken like a duck to water since making the bounce as much as England’s elite.
Remarkably incomes a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the summer time’s European Championships, Wharton has already been linked with a few of Europe’s greatest names following reported curiosity from Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
With Palace enduring what has turn out to be an actual battle since opening the brand new marketing campaign and failing to win any of their first six Premier League appearances, Oliver Glasner’s aspect face an actual uphill battle to maintain maintain of their new budding famous person.
Though Metropolis might need welcomed again former skipper Ilkay Gundogan in a shock summer time swoop, Guardiola is eager on including extra youth and Wharton seems to tick all of the packing containers.
