According to rumours, Man City scouts have determined that Valencia midfielder Pepelu would be the best candidate to take Rodri’s place in January. With seven victories from their first nine games, the Citizens got off to a strong start in the current Premier League season under Guardiola. According to sources, candidate City scouts have determined that Valencia midfielder Pepelu is the “ideal man” to take Rodri’s place in January.
With seven victories from their first nine games in the new Premier League season, the Citizens got off to a strong start under Guardiola. With the January transfer window less than a month away, there have been speculations regarding who Manchester City would try to sign to take Rodri’s place while he is still recovering. In addition to Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, they reportedly made a £100 million “offer” for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery last month.
Man City scouts find ‘ideal man’ to replace Rodri in January
Pepelu is in fact seen as a potential stand-in while Rodri heals from his injury, and he would also offer reliable support after this year’s Ballon d’Or winner fully recovers. The fellow Spaniard has become a key member of Valencia CF since joining last July under head coach Ruben Baraja. He has played 1,053 minutes this season and contributed four goals in 11 appearances across all competitions.
Levante sold Pepelu to Valencia CF in July 2023 for €5 million, and his contract contains a €100 million release clause that expires in June 2028. Pepelu was called up to Luis de la Fuente’s team in August for Spain’s group-stage appearances against Switzerland and Serbia in the Nations League.
“I’m very happy; it’s a very happy day for me to receive the call-up from the national team,” stated the player. “It’s an unbeatable feeling, a dream that I’ve always said that I wanted to fulfil.” Conclusion: In addition to resolving immediate issues after Rodri’s injury, the possible signing of Pepelu shows a well-considered plan to secure Manchester City’s midfield for the future.
