Pep Guardiola’s £123 Million Transfer Puzzle: A Priority for Manchester City
Manchester City faces a crucial transfer task this summer, and Pep Guardiola is keen to address it decisively.
In recent transfer windows, City has generally excelled, but they have yet to find a reliable backup for the ever-consistent Rodri. The Spanish midfielder is often the first name on Guardiola’s team sheet due to his critical role in midfield.
However, this heavy reliance brings its challenges. Rodri has hardly missed a game over the past two seasons and expressed his need for a break in April. This summer, he aims to secure the European Championship for Spain, all before a demanding club season featuring an expanded Champions League and the end-of-season Club World Cup. If Rodri already feels stretched thin, the coming months will only increase his need for rest.
A lack of manager support, a poor loan spell at West Ham, and a sluggish start have left Matheus Nunes’ future at City in doubt. Last summer, Guardiola signed Nunes from Wolves for £53 million. Though not a direct Rodri replacement, Nunes demonstrated at Sporting an ability to be a dynamic, box-to-box midfielder with both defensive and attacking skills. Guardiola even called him one of the world’s best midfielders during his time in Portugal.
Despite making 29 appearances last season, most of Nunes’ playtime was as a substitute, with just seven league starts. He has been linked with a summer move and faces a pivotal year ahead. He can’t be dismissed outright and could follow the pattern of other City players who improved in their second season. A full pre-season under Guardiola will certainly benefit him, yet he doesn’t seem to be a go-to option in midfield and might be better suited for a more advanced role.
Then there’s Mateo Kovacic. Signed last summer for an initial £25 million, Kovacic is a natural defensive midfielder who played many games last season, showcasing his poise and skill alongside Rodri. However, when called upon to fill Rodri’s shoes, his limitations were evident, particularly in losses to Arsenal and Wolves. Kovacic has yet to prove he can provide the rest Rodri needs and be the solution City is searching for.
Thus, City and Guardiola find themselves back at square one, in need of a midfield reinforcement. Rodri, for one, would surely appreciate a new arrival to share the load.
