Midfielder bargains are the talk of the day. Manchester City may boast a star-studded lineup, but the idea of coping without their midfield lynchpin, Rodri, is enough to unsettle even the most confident of fans. The Spanish maestro has become the beating heart of Pep Guardiola’s tactical system, excelling in breaking up opposition attacks and dictating the tempo from deep. However, his season-ending injury in the 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal has plunged his club into crisis.
After leading the Premier League table at the time of his injury, The Blues now have just one win in their last nine games in all competitions, a stark contrast to the all-conquering side we have become accustomed to. And without a ready-made replacement for their Spanish midfield dynamo already in the ranks, chances are that the Etihad outfit will have to turn to the transfer market to replace their reigning Balon d’Or holder.
Luckily for them, there are two holding midfielder bargains who are out of contract in the summer, meaning that they could be available for a cut price in January.
Midfielder Bargains to Solve the Rodri Crisis
Joshua Kimmich
Of the two midfielder bargains, Joshua Kimmich’s potential availability would make a splash across Europe. The German international has long been regarded as one of the best midfielders in the game, but contract murmurs are hinting at a possible Bayern Munich exit as his current deal runs down. With less than a year remaining, City could land a player who ticks nearly every box in Guardiola’s playbook.
Kimmich is the Swiss Army knife of midfielders. Whether it’s breaking up play, launching pinpoint passes, or adding creativity and tactical flexibility, he does it all seamlessly. Much like Rodri, he boasts composure under pressure, an elite ability to recycle possession, and the grit to press opponents high up the pitch.
More importantly, the 28-year-old’s tactical intelligence would allow him to slot into City’s system without much fuss. Guardiola already knows what Kimmich brings, having coached him during his days in Bavaria, converting him from a right full-back into a defensive midfielder. Now, it could well be time for things to come full circle and for the duo to rekindle at the Etihad.
Should City manage to secure his signature, then surely their chances of a fifth straight title would increase. The latest online English Premier League odds make the champions a distant 10/1 fourth favourite for the title, behind runaway league leaders Liverpool as well as London clubs Arsenal and Chelsea. They need a miracle to turn around their ailing fortunes, and that miracle could well be named Joshua Kimmich.
Koke
Few players in world football rival Koke’s understanding of the tactical side of the game. The 32-year-old Atletico Madrid captain has been pivotal for Diego Simeone’s side for years, but his contract situation may open the door for a move. His availability could provide Guardiola with an experienced midfield general capable of stabilizing any potential crisis.
Koke thrives at controlling the rhythm of play, a trait that mirrors Rodri’s metronomic style. The pair used to play together for Los Rojiblancos between 2018 and 2019, and the pair combined to put Real Madrid to the sword in a 4-2 victory in the UEFA Super Cup in Tallinn. With the veteran midfielder understanding Rodri’s game, he is surely the best man for the job to replicate it, allowing Kevin De Bruyne ahead of him to thrive.
One might worry about Koke’s transition from Simeone’s pragmatic setup to Guardiola’s free-flowing system. But his experience in high-pressure contests including two Champions League finals suggests he is up to the task. Plus, his role in the Spanish capital has been primarily focused on defense and deep-lying playmaker, which is exactly what City needs right now.