Pep Guardiola is now driving a surprise Manchester City move for a “fantastic” midfielder, in light of Rodri’s ACL injury, according to a report.
City suffer Champions League defeat at the Etihad
City’s hopes of winning a second Champions League are hanging by a thread after a 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium last night, which leaves them with everything to do in the second leg at the Bernabeu.
It is yet another setback for the Sky Blues, in what has been a very disappointing season, with their form going off a cliff after Rodri suffered what is likely to be a season-ending ACL injury.
The struggles since the Spaniard was ruled out underline just how important he is to the team, and it was always going to be a difficult task to find a replacement in the January transfer window.
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Guardiola has strengthened in a number of key areas this winter, with Nico Gonzalez arriving from FC Porto in an attempt to solidify the midfield, but a new report has revealed the manager is still keen on another midfielder.
According to reports from Spain, Pep has now set his sights on Real Betis midfielder Sergi Altimira, who could be brought in to replace and support Rodri in central midfield next season, with the City boss in need of an urgent solution to the lack of depth even once the Spaniard returns.
Altimira’s possession-based style of play is said to make him a good fit in a Guardiola system, while he is also lauded for his tackling ability, and there is seemingly a good chance the Sky Blues would be able to get a deal done this summer.
The report states the opportunity to play for Man City under one of the world’s best managers may be too good to turn down, and a big offer would be likely to tempt the Spanish club into sanctioning a sale.
Altimira move would make little sense
The report claims the 23-year-old is a target due to Rodri’s absence, but the 28-year-old is expected to return by the summer at the latest, so it would make little sense to bring in the Betis ace as a direct replacement.
The La Liga man has been hailed as “fantastic” by members of the Spanish media this season, so he clearly has quality, but there is little indication he would be a suitable heir to the Ballon d’Or winner, given his performances over the past year.
|
Statistic per 90 |
||
|
Non-penalty goals |
0.16 (83rd percentile) |
0 |
|
Assists |
0.37 (98th percentile) |
0.06 (43rd percentile) |
|
Passes attempted |
110.83 (99th percentile) |
56.47 (68th percentile) |
|
Pass-completion % |
91.4% (97th percentile) |
88% (77th percentile) |
City’s over-reliance on Rodri has been evident ever since the maestro suffered his ACL injury, so it would make sense for Guardiola to bring in additional depth in midfield this summer, but Altimira is not currently showing signs he is at the level required.
