- Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is yet to sign a new contract
- The midfielder is entering the final year of his deal
- City have been considering a number of replacements
Manchester City have identified Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic as their number one target to replace Rodri if the Spanish star chooses not to sign a new contract.
Having been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium, Rodri’s contract situation remains unclear as he enters the final year of his current deal.
The 29-year-old has attracted interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid, and while City are thought to be confident they can persuade him to stay, the club have been working hard to find a possible replacement.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is among those targeted, but the England international may fulfil a more advanced role in Pep Guardiola’s side, maybe even partnering Rodri if the Spaniard opts to stay.
As a result, SportsBoom are now reporting that Bayern’s Pavlovic is City’s top target to replace Rodri, with the 21-year-old German international identified as a natural successor.
Bayern ready to demand massive fee for Aleksandar Pavlovic
While Pavlovic may be the most ideal solution if Rodri departs the Etihad Stadium, securing a deal for the youngster will not be easy, with Bayern looking for a major fee.
Indeed, the Bavarian outfit could demand in excess of £100 million for Pavlovic, making him one of the most expensive signings in City’s history.
With Manchester United and Chelsea also rumoured to be interested, Pep Guardiola’s side will hope they are not dragged into a long transfer saga over the summer.
But given Pavlovic’s age profile and potential to develop beyond his already considerable ability, it may be worth the investment.
What could Pavlovic bring to Manchester City?
A big reason for City’s interest in Pavlovic is his ability to contribute on both sides of the ball, something Rodri has done brilliantly for many years.
Standing at 1.88m tall [6ft 2in], the German is a physically imposing defensive midfielder who wins aerial duels, covers an immense distance throughout a game and is renowned for his defensive positioning and timing.
In possession, he is composed on the ball, and leads the Bundesliga for progressive passes per 90 minutes. His first instinct is to move the ball forward, and his creativity has been crucial to Bayern’s success this season.
He has already drawn comparisons to a young Rodri, making it no surprise that City view him as the ideal successor to their star man.
Man City must plan for a future without Rodri
Regardless of whether Rodri signs a new deal at the club, he will not be around forever. He turns 30 in June, and while he is currently still in his prime years, City must plan for the future.
Bringing in young stars like Pavlovic and Anderson is exactly the kind of forward-thinking transfer business that has kept the Carabao Cup winners at the top of English football for the past decade.
If one or both of those two do join in the summer, Pep Guardiola’s midfield ranks will have been significantly bolstered.
There has been an ongoing rebuild at City in recent seasons, and adding the likes of Pavlovic would continue the exciting overhaul, if they can negotiate a deal with Bayern.
