Are Manchester City on the verge of accelerating plans to bolster their midfield? | OneFootball

It is no secret that Manchester City will begin to regenerate their midfield in the near future. Players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan, Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic are all north of 30 and the time to rebuild City’s midfield is coming. Now Rodri’s knee injury may force City’s hand in the January transfer window. A new report indicates that the champions are seriously contemplating moving a long-term transfer target in January.

Dean Jones has reported for GIVEMESPORT that the champions are considering a January move for a midfielder. With Rodri potentially sidelined for a significant period they may be forced into the market in January. Jones adds that Adam Wharton is one name potentially on Manchester City’s target list. Furthermore, Jones adds that City are considering an approach for the Crystal Palace star in January.

Dean Jones also reports that finding a long-term replacement for Kevin De Bruyne is Manchester City’s major transfer priority. Jones further reports that Jamal Musiala is Manchester City’s dream target to replace De Bruyne. Lastly, Jones adds that Bayern Munich are keen to retain the services of the German international. But if they can’t agree on a new deal with Musiala by next summer they will likely demand over £100 million to sell their prized asset.

What happens in the coming months will dictate Manchester City’s January transfer window plans.

Losing Rodri is a huge blow for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City. His importance to the world champions is well known. How City cope with the loss of their most important player will dictate whether or not they move for another midfielder in January.

As previously covered Adam Wharton ticks nearly every box required for a potential Manchester City signing. He does loom as a player that could potentially slot into City’s midfield in time. It remains to be seen whether or not Crystal Palace will sell the England international in January. But if Manchester City struggle in Rodri’s absence it may see them try to spend big in January to find a midfielder to aid their cause. That set of circumstances could see City test the resolve of Crystal Palace to keep Adam Wharton in January. But there is a lot to play out before that scenario becomes a realistic possibility.

As for the hunt for a potential Kevin De Bruyne replacement that appears to be a matter that will be addressed next summer. It is highly unlikely that it will be a priority in January. De Bruyne has started the new season in good form and the need to find a replacement for the inspirational midfielder isn’t a pressing one. That fact also means that City’s chase for Musiala won’t become a story to monitor until next summer. There will be updates on Musiala’s contract status along the way that will fuel the fire surrounding City’s interest in Musiala. But that’s a scenario that is going to take some time to play out before it becomes a reality.

The time for Manchester City to rebuild their midfield is coming. Depending on how they cover the loss of Rodri in the coming months will dictate whether or not they move for a player like Adam Wharton. That’s the story to monitor in the immediate future rather than City’s long-term hunt for a Kevin De Bruyne replacement.