Man City told Rodri replacement they really want to sign in January is one of the top 10 midfielders in Europe

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As the January transfer window is edging closer and closer, it will be interesting to discover whether Manchester City wrap up a move for a replacement for Rodri.

Pep Guardiola claimed Rodri is “irreplaceable” and based on City’s results since he was diagnosed with an ACL injury, it is impossible to argue with such a claim.

With Manchester City showing no signs of a revival after reverting to type in their 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace, it seems imperative for them to go out and fill the gaping hole left by the Spaniard’s injury-stricken absence.

Only twice have the club signed a player in January to come straight into Manchester City’s first-team and the names include Aymeric Laporte and Gabriel Jesus.

A report surfaced on Tuesday that Manchester City feel their mistake was not to rebuild their squad in the summer of 2024 and leave such a crucial task to next year.

Logically, the Sky Blues beginning their squad overhaul in the winter transfer window would make complete sense based on such an internal admission.

It was claimed that Manchester City’s intention to replace Rodri was planned to be discussed with Pep Guardiola during the international break in October.

• READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final

Man City transfer news: Ederson named one of Europe’s best midfielders

In October, it was claimed that Atalanta’s Ederson has caught Manchester City’s eye.

Last month, it was revealed that Manchester City’s interest “flattered” Ederson, who is valued at £42 million by the Serie A club.

Atalanta attacker Papu Gomez told La Gazzetta dello Sport that the Brazilian is one of the best 10 midfielders in European football.

“[Remo] Freuler is a top player but Ederson is a fantastic player with less physicality and unique skill sets.”

“He’s among the top 10 [midfielders] in Europe, fundamental to Atalanta today.”

Since Rodri’s ACL injury, City have conceded the second-most big chances in the Premier League after Southampton, indicating how much they miss his presence in the middle of the park.

Ederson vs Rodri stats

Manchester City will be aware that even if they were to sign Ederson, expecting him to be as outstanding of an all-rounder as the Ballon d’Or winner would be unreasonable.

Ilkay Gundogan’s latest performance against Crystal Palace was further proof that unlike during his previous spell, he seems unable to be able to emerge as a top-class solution at the base of midfield for Pep Guardiola. Here are Ederson’s statistics over the past 365 days in comparison to Rodri.

Unsurprisingly, the four-time Premier League winner remains the superior player to the Atalanta midfielder.

However, it is important to remember that Ederson does not play in a side that is as dominant in possession as Manchester City are.

With Rodri being the heartbeat of this City side, if the club were to make a move for the 25-year-old in January, Pep Guardiola will be tasked with pairing him with midfielders that lessen the burden on his shoulders.

As brilliant as Ederson has been in Serie A, the challenges of adapting to Guardiola’s system as well as the Premier League are reasons why it would be unjust to expect him to transform Manchester City’s fortunes instantly.