Manchester City identify Bundesliga star as ideal Rodri replacement

Atrayo Bhattacharya

Manchester City identify Bundesliga star as ideal Rodri replacement image

Manchester City are going through a purple patch this season as they could only manage a 2-2 draw against Monaco in their latest Champions League fixture. 

The Citizens are also in seventh position in the Premier League points table after the first six games, so for now they haven't shown the qualities of reclaiming the league title from Liverpool. 

However, Pep Guardiola and new sporting director Hugo Viana are focusing on future planning and wide squad overhaul. 

Despite their investment in the summer transfer window, City may need to replace a few old names with fresh faces in the next couple of transfer windows. 

According to the BILD, Manchester City have identified Bayern Munich midfielder Aleksander Pavlovic as a long-term successor for Ballon d'Or winning midfielder Rodri at the Etihad Stadium. 

The Bayern Munich academy graduate has gradually become a trusted soldier for manager Vincent Kompany with his exceptional passing range and the calmness and control that he brings to midfield. 

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According to several other reports, many other clubs such as Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid, etc. are also monitoring the progress of the Germany international. 

Will Pavlovic consider leaving Bayern Munich for Man City?

Pavlovic has risen through the ranks at Sabener Strasse and eventually earned his debut for Bayern Munich senior team in October 2023. 

Since then, he has not looked back and delivered some extremely matured performances in midfield. 

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The 21-year-old also earned his maiden Germany callup in 2024 as Julian Nagelsmann was quick to identify his talent. 

As per reports, City have approached Pavlovic's camp and are yet to reach out to Bayern Munich. But they are allegedly willing to offer a proposal worth €50m ($58.6m) in the winter transfer window.

Several clubs including City rate Pavlovic very highly for the control he brings to midfield and with Rodri's incessant injuries and unavailability have forced them to look for a replacement.  

However, Bayern Munich remain in a strong position to turn down the deal as the 21-year-old midfielder holds a contract until 2029.

Pavlovic reportedly is comfortable in Bavaria and would like to build on his good work under Kompany therefore a move away to City isn't an option for the German midfielder. 

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Atrayo Bhattacharya

Atrayo Bhattacharya is a content producer for The Sporting News, working across English editions.