For Manchester City, one of the most pivotal tasks on their to-do list would be to sign a deputy for Rodri.
Jorginho lauded Rodri and named him as the first defensive midfielder that comes to his mind when asked to reveal the players he admires in the position.
Rodri’s update about his ACL injury was that his goal is to return to the pitch sometime this season.
However, the Manchester City conductor has suffered a blow that could keep him out until the start of the 2025/2026 campaign.
Marc Cucurella praised Rodri as well by highlighting how “City keep losing games” in his absence.
MORE MAN CITY STORIES
Naturally, Pep Guardiola’s men have been linked with a plethora of midfielders to replace the Ballon d’Or winner.
Samuele Ricci of Italy looks on during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between Italy and Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on Octo...
Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Man City transfer target Samuel Ricci set to stay at Torino in January
In October, The Guardian revealed that a player Manchester City have shortlisted to sign in January is Samuele Ricci.
Soon after, it was reported that Samuele Ricci’s asking fee is considered £25 million by not just City but Arsenal as well, who are believed to be interested in his signature. Interestingly, Ricci named Rodri as his idol earlier this year.
Torino president Urbano Cairo has confirmed that Ricci is set to stay at the club in January.
Cairo told Radio Sportiva: “Ricci will definitely remain at Torino.”
RICCI OVER THE PAST 365 DAYS
STAT PER 90
PASS COMPLETITION 86.7%
TACKLES 1.1
INTERCEPTIONS 0.93
AERIALS WON 0.63
PROGRESSIVE CARRIES 4.03
via FbRef
From Manchester City’s point of view, they might have to be resigned to the fact that unless they make Torino an offer they cannot refuse for the 23-year-old, a transfer in January seems highly unlikely.
On Tuesday, a claim emerged that Manchester City-linked orchestrator Martin Zubimendi is open to leaving Real Sociedad but a move would only be possible in the summer. In November, it was speculated that Rodri’s view on Zubimendi is that he would be the perfect successor to him as a signing for City in January.
As a result, there are not too many names that seem like they would be allowed to head to the Etihad Stadium in the winter transfer window.
Ricci reacts to January exit reports amid Man City links
Ricci reacted to exit links surrounding him by stating that he is focusing on life in Turin.
“I’ve learned to understand a little: as soon as you do well, a lot of things come out. They’re nice but you shouldn’t get too big for your boots. I still have a lot of things to improve on.”
“I look at them, friends send me articles. But I think more about concrete things, that is, the green rectangle [the pitch].”
Whether Manchester City intend to turn Ricci’s head by amping up their efforts to sign him will be interesting to see.
City cannot afford to sign the Italian international unless they are convinced he would be able to fill in the Spaniard’s boots.
Related Posts