Bayern Munich stalwart Joshua Kimmich could be the ideal candidate to relieve midfield lynchpin Rodri. Manchester City are in desperate need of someone to give their midfield general a break when required. The German international seems well suited to the role.
Rodri’s importance to Pep Guardiola’s squad is obvious to anyone who watches the game. He gives the Manchester City midfield balance so that Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and co can do what they do best. City’s midfield general is the heartbeat of the treble winner’s midfield. Without him, they are not the same side. All three of the champions’ Premier League losses have come with Rodri missing from the Manchester City lineup. Wolves, Arsenal and Aston Villa all took advantage of Rodri’s absence through suspension to beat the world champions. It has been over a calendar year since Rodri played in a loss for Manchester City. That speaks volumes to his importance to Pep Guardiola’s side.
With that in mind given the amount of football Pep Guardiola’s side plays they do need a reliable backup option for Rodri. It is something that the City squad has lacked for some time. Kalvin Phillips was brought in from Leeds United to fulfil this role but his time at the club didn’t pan out as planned. The England international has departed City for a loan stint with West Ham as he bids to revive his career. It would appear that City need another defensive midfielder and Joshua Kimmich may be the ideal player for the role.
A Bayern Munich stalwart may fill the void for Manchester City
Sam Lee has reported for the Athletic that Manchester City may launch a bid for Joshua Kimmich this summer. The Bayern Munich stalwart will have a year to run on his current contract with the Bundesliga champions come the beginning of the summer transfer window. Kimmich’s current deal expires at the end of the 2024/25 season. With that in mind, he could be available for a relatively cheap transfer fee this summer.
With his experience and versatility, he could be the ideal candidate to come into the City squad. Given he has previously played under Pep Guardiola during the City manager’s time at Bayern he does appear ready-made to slot in as a backup for Rodri. While the pair are different types of players they do share similarities. Kimmich in theory could allow Guardiola to rest Rodri. He would also add a quality option for the role which may see City’s record without Rodri improve.
There could also be a role at right back for Kimmich in the Manchester City squad. With Kyle Walker getting closer to the end of his career and Rico Lewis still developing his game Kimmich would be a viable option for the position.
Conclusion
While the summer transfer window is still months away it seems that Manchester City are beginning to make moves for next season. Fabrizio Romano has reported that a deal is close for Girona’s star winger Savio to arrive at the champions from Troyes. His arrival appears to fill the void on City’s right wing. The next position of need for City appears to be a quality option to give Rodri assistance in the middle of the pitch.
Joshua Kimmich does appear to be the ideal candidate for the role. If Manchester City can land the German international this summer he would bring immense quality and experience to one of the most important roles in Pep Guardiola’s system.
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