Manchester City are not planning to make a move for a new defensive midfielder in the January transfer window, that could serve as Rodri replacement amid the ongoing injury issues.
Sources close to the Sky Blues revealed to Football Insider that Pep Guardiola’s side are set to rely on existing squad options rather than bring in reinforcements midway through the season.
Rodri’s absence has been a concern for the City boss, with the Spaniard still managing recurring fitness problems that have disrupted his rhythm this term.
His unavailability has left the treble winners short in the crucial holding midfield role — a position that often dictates the tempo and balance of Guardiola’s system.
During City’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa, Tijjani Reijnders was tasked with filling in as the deep-lying midfielder.
However, he struggled to adapt to the demands of the role, leaving the team vulnerable in transitions. The performance underscored how vital Rodri remains to City’s structure and how difficult he is to replace.
Nonetheless, insiders maintain that the club’s hierarchy and Guardiola are confident in their squad depth and do not intend to make a panic signing in January by bringing in Rodri replacement.
Guardiola to rely on current options
City’s approach is consistent with Guardiola’s philosophy of adaptability and tactical flexibility. The manager has always preferred to find creative solutions within his squad before turning to the transfer market.
According to reports, Guardiola is content to rotate between Nico Gonzalez, John Stones, and Rico Lewis to fill the void while Rodri recovers.
Nico Gonzalez, who was signed during the previous January window as a long-term understudy to Rodri, has faced his own injury setbacks this season.
Despite that, City retain strong faith in the 23-year-old’s ability to deliver when fit. The club believes Gonzalez has the composure, passing range, and positional intelligence to thrive in the demanding defensive midfield role once he regains full fitness.
The same source added that Guardiola also considers Stones and Lewis capable of providing stability in the holding role, both having previously been deployed there with success.
John Stones, traditionally a centre-back, has shown his ability to step into midfield when required — a tactical evolution that Guardiola has used effectively in the past two seasons.
Rico Lewis, meanwhile, has continued to impress with his versatility, often operating as an inverted full-back who drifts into central areas. Guardiola’s trust in the youngster’s tactical maturity has grown, and Lewis’s energy and intelligence make him a valuable option for the role.
Given these internal solutions, City’s coaching staff are confident the team can cope without entering the transfer market.
This stance aligns with Guardiola’s long-standing belief in maintaining harmony within the squad and avoiding unnecessary mid-season disruptions.
The Catalan manager is known for valuing player development and tactical adjustments over short-term fixes, and this situation is expected to be handled in much the same way.
Manchester City already planning for summer business
While City appear set to avoid signing Rodri replacement in January, the club’s recruitment department has started laying the groundwork for next summer.
Plans are already in motion to explore midfield reinforcements, with one name in particular catching the attention of the Etihad hierarchy — Joao Neves.
The Portuguese international, currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain, enjoyed an outstanding campaign last season, playing a pivotal role in his team’s treble-winning success.
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Neves’ performances earned him a spot on the 2025 Ballon d’Or shortlist, where he was ranked 19th, highlighting his rapid rise among Europe’s elite midfielders.
Recent reports have linked City with a strong interest in the 21-year-old, viewing him as a potential long-term successor to Rodri.
Though there is no immediate suggestion that Rodri will leave, sources say the club are preparing for every scenario — especially given the Spaniard’s heavy workload in recent seasons.
