Manchester City are keen on bringing Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo Hernandez to the Etihad Stadium before the next season kicks-off in August.
According to AS, City have made an official offer to pay the midfielder’s €70m release clause and the ball is now in the player’s court who looks closer to the Wanda Metropolitano exit door each day. The official decision has not been made yet as other clubs are also interested in the Spanish midfielder.
The 22-year-old made the move from Villareal and has been an integral part of Diego Simeone’s side reuniting with Los Rojiblancos last summer after an earlier stint in the Atleti youth system. The young midfielder has 3 goal contributions to his name this season netting the ball on two separate occasions.
Rodrigo under Pep Guardiola: The next Busquets in the making
City have been on the lookout for a long-term replacement for Fernandinho since last summer. A failed coup of Jorginho from Napoli, who then later joined Chelsea, almost threatened to derail their season at various stages.
The Sky Blues dropped crucial points in the Premier League during the Christmas period as the Brazillian was out of action following an injury and a lack of like for like replacement left them exposed before Gundogan stepped up to the plate. Guardiola wouldn’t want to take a similar risk for a second year running and has already devised plans to fill that hole in midfield.
A player in the same ilk as Busquets and an even better physical presence, Rodri could just be the medicine for the midfield disease which could plague the entire Guardiola system if not dealt with carefully and in time.
With a 6ft 2in frame, any doubts over physicality, which is alleged to be of paramount importance to be successful in the Premier League are already thrown out the window. The Spaniard’s game sense, vision and passing are other things which can’t be questioned at this stage. His aerial prowess and tackling of the ball are also some features that have developed significantly playing under Simeone.
At just 22 years of age, the Atleti midfielder already seems like the whole package. Guardiola’s philosophy and Rodrigo’s robust but technical playing style has every chance to click and in turn, help City maintain and solidify their standing as one of the powerhouses in European football.
City’s scouting system and signing over the past couple of years under Guardiola has been top notch which has helped them garner all the success they have achieved over the period. Rodri to City could very well become another such fairytale which can help the Manchester Blues remain at the top for the foreseeable future.
Stats Courtesy: Transfermarkt, Whoscored
