Manchester City’s struggles this season have been surprising for a team that was heavily favoured to secure their fifth Premier League title in a row. The Sky Blues have dominated English football in recent history, lifting seven of the last eight league titles available, and while they began their season in the same swashbuckling style, just two wins from their final 14 games of the 2024 calendar year have seen City drop down the table, and a good football bet will now favour the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool for the league.
Their dip in form has coincided with the loss of Rodri, who suffered a devastating ACL tear in a match against Arsenal in September.
“When you lose the best midfielder in Europe [Rodri] you’re always going to have a strain on the team,” Guardiola said back in November. “But they are just too easy to play through at this moment in time.”
The Spaniard, who was crowned the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history. His absence has left Pep Guardiola’s side scrambling for solutions.
Even with Rodri expected to return in 2025, City face both short-term and long-term challenges in replacing him. Recovery from such a significant injury could impact his performance, especially as he was already one of the league’s slower midfielders.
Given the physical demands of playing for City—who routinely compete in 60-plus matches a season—reinforcements are essential.
Kalvin Phillips has failed to make a strong impression, so City must explore other options, including dipping into the transfer market or promoting academy talents.
The January transfer window presents an opportunity for City to address their midfield problem, but it is not without challenges. The Premier League’s new profit and sustainability rules have forced clubs to spend more cautiously, and City are already navigating scrutiny over 115 financial charges. These factors mean City must tread carefully, even as their need for midfield reinforcements grows.
Reports suggest that City are prepared to activate Martin Zubimendi’s release clause. The Real Sociedad midfielder has long been on Guardiola’s radar and was previously a top target for Arsenal, though the Gunners eventually shifted their focus to Mikel Merino. Liverpool also made unsuccessful attempts to lure Zubimendi to Anfield, further emphasising his value.
The Spanish Euro 2024 winner offers a profile that closely mirrors Rodri’s. He is a composed presence in midfield, excelling in reading the game, breaking up opposition play, and transitioning the ball to attacking players.
Of course, there is also the chance to promote players within the squad. While the transfer market is one solution, Guardiola could also turn to the City academy, which has produced several promising talents in recent years.
One standout candidate is James McAtee, an England youth international who has shown significant promise during his loan spells with Sheffield United. McAtee earned glowing reviews in both the Championship and the Premier League, and his performances even attracted interest from Chelsea last summer.
Despite receiving limited minutes this term, giving McAtee a more prominent role could address multiple objectives: it would provide City with midfield cover, promote their academy system, and allow the squad to rotate more effectively. The question remains whether McAtee is ready to step into such a demanding role.
Overall, the difficulty of replacing Rodri lies in his unique skill set. He is not only a defensive shield but also a metronome for City’s possession-based style of play.
Few players can replicate his impact, which is why Guardiola must consider a multi-pronged approach. A combination of a new signing like Zubimendi and greater reliance on academy players like McAtee could be the key to bridging the gap left by Rodri’s absence.
As City navigate the rest of the season, they must carefully balance their short-term ambitions with long-term planning. Whether through the transfer market or internal promotions, finding a solution to their midfield conundrum is essential if they are to remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions. They are not out of the hunt for the Champions League in any capacity, and only time will tell what the future holds for Guardiola and co.