EXCLUSIVE: Man City target €32m Rodri replacement for January

Steve Kay

Updated: 5 Oct 2024 15:50 BST
3 min read

Pep Guardiola, Rodri, Man City, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Manchester City are keeping a close eye on Porto's defensive midfielder Alan Varela, with scouts recently sent to assess his performance, FootballTransfers can reveal.

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The 23-year-old Argentine has drawn significant interest from the Premier League champions as they look for a potential signing in the January transfer window to replace the Rodi, who is out for the season after sustaining an ACL and meniscus damage to his knee in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

According to sources, Man City compiled a list of potential replacements, with Varela featuring prominently. Initially, the club sought a player with Premier League experience, hoping for an immediate impact during the season's final stretch.

However, due to the scarcity of suitable options in that position, the Citizens are now exploring alternatives elsewhere as they aim to secure a fifth consecutive Premier League title under Pep Guardiola.

Current ETV

Alan Varela

DM, M (C)

Porto

Alan Varela

DM, M (C)

Porto

ETV Range

€24.4M - €40.6M

At 28, Rodri has been a key figure in Pep Guardiola's system, and his injury has left a significant gap in midfield. However, sources close to the club suggest that City not only see Varela as a temporary replacement but also as someone who could partner Rodri when he returns to full fitness.

Varela's release clause

Varela, who is known for his excellent defensive positioning, excels at breaking up opposition play and recovering possession. He also boasts solid passing accuracy and has the ability to score from long range, making him a versatile option for City’s midfield.

Varela offers both youth and experience, and his release clause of €70 million is seen as affordable, especially in light of City's recent sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid for €70 million. Financially, signing Varela wouldn’t pose a major challenge, and he could slot seamlessly into Guardiola's squad.

City's interest in the Argentine suggests that they are planning for both the short-term challenge of Rodri’s injury and the long-term potential of strengthening their midfield options.

Pep Guardiola was quizzed about whether the club would move for a Rodri replacement in Januar at a recent press conference, especially in light of Arsenal strengthening. "We will see. We talked today with Txiki [Begiristain], we will see what's going on. We don't have to decide tomorrow, right? We have time to see the potential problems we will have and after we will see."