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Manchester City targets Pirlo's successor to replace Rodri

City is interested in bringing in one of Italy's talented midfielders to replace Rodri.

By Antonius Ricky

Manchester City v FC Bayern München: Quarterfinal First Leg - UEFA Champions League
Manchester City v FC Bayern München: Quarterfinal First Leg - UEFA Champions League / Shaun Botterill/GettyImages
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Disaster struck Manchester City at the start of the 2024/2025 season. The key defensive midfielder for coach Pep Guardiola, Rodri, suffered a severe ACL injury. Rodri is likely unable to play again in the 2024/2025 season.

The Spanish youngster sustained the ACL injury during City's match against Arsenal in the Premier League last month. Rodri's absence will weaken City's midfield. Guardiola has stated that Rodri is the most influential player on his team.

With Rodri's injury, City will attempt to recruit a new midfielder in the January 2025 transfer window. The Citizens do not want to risk relying solely on Mateo Kovacic for the remainder of the 2024/2025 season.

Several names are being considered by City to replace Rodri. These include Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United, Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

However, according to Manchester City expert Steven McInerney, the most likely candidate to be recruited to Etihad Stadium early next year is Samuele Ricci from Torino.

The 23-year-old is a sensible recruit because his price will not overly strain City's finances. Torino is reportedly ready to release Ricci if they receive an offer of 30 million pounds.

Pirlo's Successor from Torino

Samuele Ricci
Samuele Ricci of Torino Fc looks on during the Coppa Italia... / Marco Canoniero/GettyImages

Ricci is touted as a future great midfielder for Italy. He is often compared to his seniors and footballing icons Andrea Pirlo and Marco Verratti.

Currently, Ricci has four caps for the Italian national team after spending three years at Torino. Ricci is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Italian League. In the 2024/2025 season, Ricci has always been a starter for Torino in the beginning of the new campaign.

A promising young player

"I think City can get a cheaper short-term solution and also a long-term solution. Someone like Samuele Ricci," said McInerney as reported by Sportsmole.

"He's 23 years old. He's a very technical player, very comfortable receiving the ball from defenders and controlling the game," McInerney continued.

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