Guardiola is looking for Rodri's heir: 2 candidates on the table

Manchester City wants to sign a top-level midfielder to take the place of the Spaniard in the short and long term.

Javier Parra Peña | 18 Oct 2025 | 00.30
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Guardiola seeks Rodri's heir: 2 candidates on the table
Guardiola seeks Rodri's heir: 2 candidates on the table

Premier League
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Arsenal Crystal Palace
26/10/25 15:00:00
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Manchester City is going through a period of uncertainty in their midfield. Rodri has not fully regained his form since a serious injury last season and still suffers from physical discomfort. His contract expires in 2027, and his renewal has not been agreed upon yet, opening the door for the club to start considering who will replace him.

In this context, young talents Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace and Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest have emerged as real options for Pep Guardiola's project.

Manchester City Analyzes Candidates to Replace Rodri

Manchester City is seriously evaluating national profiles that can assume similar roles to Rodri's or complement him until he regains his best form. Adam Wharton has drawn attention for his performance with Palace, although his contract ties him strongly to the London club, and negotiations will not be easy.

Wharton is starting to establish himself and has shown tactical ability, good passing, and judgment in both short and long-range passes. Anderson also stands out: his progress at Forest has been rapid, demonstrating a high pressing capacity, physical deployment, and good game reading, qualities that Guardiola values to strengthen rotation.

Rodri remains a key player, but his recovery is being approached cautiously. Manchester City has avoided overloading him with minutes while ensuring his return without risks. His physical fragility and lack of consistency since his injury are concerning, prompting the club to have a Plan B.

Wharton and Anderson sound not only as medium-term alternatives but also as potential starters if Rodri decides not to extend his stay or if his recovery faces obstacles again.

Guardiola seeks Rodri's heir: 2 candidates on the table

Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, and the English Market Competition

Adam Wharton, with experience in the Premier League, is at the center of several bidding wars. Manchester City joins clubs that have been monitoring him for months, attracted by his blend of youth and tactical maturity. Crystal Palace values him highly and does not seem willing to easily part with him.

Elliot Anderson, on the other hand, excels at Nottingham Forest and has attracted interest for his ability to perform at a high level even in demanding phases of the championship. Manchester City faces competition in both cases: Real Madrid, Chelsea, and other top clubs have shown interest in Wharton or Anderson, potentially driving up the required figures.

Manchester City, with its financial strength, could propose figures that meet the demands of the owning clubs. In Anderson's case, there is talk of an offer exceeding £75 million; for Wharton, the value could match or surpass it in a bidding war between several clubs.

The key will be to convince not only with money but by presenting a clear sports project: playing time, responsibility, a role in Guardiola's team, and personal growth under demand.

Guardiola seeks Rodri's heir: 2 candidates on the table

Rodri's Situation and City's Urgency

Rodri has been one of the central figures in the Citizens' midfield in recent years. However, his injury kept him off the pitch for several months. His recovery has been very good, but competitive rhythm still seems elusive. Manchester City cannot rely solely on his return: accumulated wear, his age, and internal competition require considering alternatives to ensure continuity.

Guardiola has already tested other players like Nico González or Mateo Kovacic in that role, but none have yet shown the necessary consistency to lead steadily. Hence, Wharton and Anderson sound like strategic pieces: they could offer rest, freshness, and in the future, prominence. The club needs to secure its rotation if it aims to maintain its level in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic competitions without risks.

The upcoming summer could be decisive for Manchester City: Rodri could leave, renew, or continue with physical limitations. Meanwhile, Wharton and Anderson are shaping up to be the natural heirs of a midfielder who has defined an era.

The Citizens' strategy is already underway: finding someone to maintain the balance, precise ball distribution, physical strength, and tempo control that were the hallmarks of the Spaniard. The challenge will be to convince the right player, the right club, and the environment that the change is not only necessary but urgent and viable.

 

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Guardiola busca al heredero de Rodri: 2 candidatos sobre la mesa