As Manchester City prepares for the second half of the season, the loss of Rodri to injury remains a critical issue. Pep Guardiola has been clear: Rodri is “irreplaceable.” Yet, if City are to maintain their dominance in the Premier League and beyond, the January transfer window might present the only opportunity to mitigate the void left by their Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder.

Rodri is more than just a player for City; he’s the spine of Guardiola’s system, offering both physicality and precision in equal measure. But who, if anyone, could step into his shoes? Let’s explore potential options that could complement City’s ambitions.

The Unique Role of Rodri

Rodri doesn’t just control midfield; he commands it. His ability to break up opposition transitions, win aerial duels, and dictate the tempo of a game has no parallel in Guardiola’s squad. While players like Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes bring their own strengths, neither possesses the Spanish midfielder’s blend of defensive solidity, positional discipline, and technical mastery.

Kovacic excels in breaking lines with his passing and dribbling but can be prone to turnovers, leaving City vulnerable to counter-attacks. Meanwhile, Nunes offers physicality and pace but lacks Rodri’s finesse and tactical acumen. With no like-for-like replacement in the current squad, Guardiola may need to look externally.

Potential January Signings

Exequiel Palacios

The Argentine international has been instrumental for Leverkusen, excelling under pressure and contributing to their possession-based approach. Palacios’s ability to progress the ball through tight spaces makes him a compelling candidate. However, his tendency to play shorter passes and operate alongside another deep-lying midfielder might limit his suitability as a standalone defensive anchor.

Defensively, Palacios brings bite and energy, ranking highly for tackles and recoveries. While not a carbon copy of Rodri, his combative style could suit Guardiola’s tactical adjustments, particularly in a double pivot.

Martin Zubimendi

A natural replacement for Rodri, Zubimendi offers composure on the ball, positional discipline, and a knack for reading the game. His deep-lying playmaker role at Sociedad showcases his ability to control the tempo and initiate attacks. While less aggressive than some of his peers, Zubimendi’s calmness under pressure and passing range make him an enticing prospect.

Convincing him to leave his boyhood club mid-season, however, might prove a challenge.

Bruno Guimarães

Bruno Guimarães combines tenacity and technical skill, thriving under pressure in Eddie Howe’s Newcastle setup. His high number of recoveries and fouls won highlight his defensive work rate and ability to drive play forward. The Brazilian also has Premier League experience, making him a seamless fit in City’s demanding system.

The primary obstacle? Newcastle’s reluctance to sell a key player to a direct rival, especially during a critical phase of the season.

January’s Dilemma

Rodri’s absence has exposed a rare vulnerability in Guardiola’s City. While the market may not offer a perfect replica of the Spaniard, players like Palacios, Zubimendi, and Guimarães could provide short-term relief while adding long-term depth to a squad eyeing sustained success.

Whoever City targets, their decision will shape not only the second half of their season but also their future in a midfield transitioning from the brilliance of Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, and Ilkay Gündogan.