Pep Guardiola had today confirmed that Rodri will miss the remainder of this season. That is a huge blow for Manchester City going forward. For now, it will be on players like Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan, Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes to fill the void left by Rodri’s injury. Depending on how City cover the loss of Rodri they may have to hit the market in January to add another midfielder to their squad. If they do look for another midfielder could FC Porto midfielder Alan Varela be the perfect player to strengthen City’s squad?
It has to be said that Manchester City won’t find a like-for-like replacement for Rodri. That player doesn’t exist. Such is Rodri’s standing in the game he is a one-of-a-kind player. If the champions are looking for a midfielder in January, it will likely be one to complement their current squad. There are a host of players out there who could fill that role. In my opinion, FC Porto midfielder Alan Varela may be the ideal player for City to target in January.
READ MORE: Pep Guardiola confirms that Rodri is out for the rest of the season.
What stands out in Varela’s game is his passing ability and tenacity. He is tidy in possessidictates is a pre requisite for any potential Manchester City player. He often dictates the tempo in FC Porto’s matches. Varela is also strong in a challenge which greatly helps Porto defensively. His game looks to be one that would fit into the current Manchester City squad. Varela has shown at FC Porto just how good he is as a player. He is also only 23 years of age with his best football ahead of him. That is another box ticked for a potential City signing.
Manchester City have been linked with an interest in Alan Varela previously. Portuguese publication Mais Futebol has previously reported on City’s interest in the midfielder. It appears that City have long monitored the Argentinian midfielder.
Time will tell if Manchester City do hit the transfer market in January to find a midfielder. If they do Alan Varela could be the ideal player for the champions to fill the void left in their midfield by Rodri’s injury.