By now it is no secret that Manchester City will be without Rodri for a lengthy period. Moises Llorens broke the news yesterday for ESPN that City’s midfield general is likely out for the remainder of this season due to an ACL injury. In the immediate future, Pep Guardiola will have to cover the loss of Rodri with the options available to him in City’s squad. But could the world champions be forced to move for a long-term transfer target in January in light of Rodri’s injury? That possibility could be in play based on a new report.
Fraser Gillan has reported for TeamTalk that Manchester City could be in the market for midfield reinforcements in January. Furthermore, Gillan reports that there are four midfielders on City’s shortlist. The players Gillan names as potential targets are Nico Barella, Martin Zubimendi, Atalanta midfielder Ederson and Adam Wharton. Gillan also reports that Crystal Palace would likely demand a sizable transfer fee for Wharton. Lastly, Gillan adds that Crystal Palace are considered unlikely to sell Wharton in January.
Does Rodri’s injury force Manchester City’s hand to move for a long-term target in January?
Rodri’s injury is a major blow for the world champions. He is City’s most important player and is the heart of the champion’s midfield. For now, the champions will have to cover the loss of Rodri with what they have. But depending on how that pans out City may have to strengthen their midfield in January.
Adam Wharton is reportedly a long-term transfer target for Manchester City. Dom Smith has previously reported for the Standard that the champions have identified the England international as a potential future signing. But does Rodri’s injury force City to accelerate a move for Wharton and could it be possible?
First of all, any City move for a midfielder in January will depend on how the team performs without Rodri. The January transfer window doesn’t open for over 3 months so any midfield reinforcements won’t arrive shortly. If Manchester City power on without Rodri they may not have to sign another midfielder in January. But if the champions struggle without Rodri that will likely force their hand.
Adam Wharton does appear to be the ideal player to slip into City’s midfield. His quality is evident, and he is young enough that the best football of his career is ahead of him. He ticks every box that Manchester City generally target in a new signing. But a January move for the England international may be hard to complete. As Fraser Gillan reports Crystal Palace are unlikely to want to sell one of their prized assets in January. That makes a move for Wharton hard to pull off on closer inspection.
Circumstances will dictate if Manchester City do hit the January transfer market for a midfielder. The news of Rodri’s injury only landed yesterday. Adam Wharton as a player ticks a lot of boxes required in a potential City signing. But a January move may not be possible unless City plan to spend big time force Crystal Palace’s hand in a few months time.
