Who are the European superstars that could fill the Rodri void at Manchester City?

While the summer transfer might have only slammed shut a matter of weeks ago, Manchester City should already be planning for January following some devastating injury news last week.

Watching midfield talisman Rodri limp off in the first-half during City’s 2-2 stalemate against Arsenal on September 22nd, Pep Guardiola’s men are now set to be without the Spanish international for the remainder of the season.

Undergoing surgery on an ACL injury, the 28-year-old certainly leaves a real void in the heart of City’s midfield.

With many billing the ex-Atletico Madrid star as a potential Ballon d’Or winner this year, we have taken a look at the potential contenders to replace Rodri during the January transfer window.

Martin Zubimendi – Real Sociedad

While it might have appeared almost certain over the summer that Martin Zubimendi would be heading to Liverpool, the 25-year-old eventually stayed put at Real Sociedad following what was a shock rebuff of Arne Slot’s side.

However, with the Basque-based outfit failing to find any kind of stability since opening up the new campaign, it has been suggested that Zubimendi is already regretting his decision in turning down a Premier League switch over the summer.

Although it might have been reported that Liverpool have made it clear that they are not looking to revive their interest when the January transfer window gets underway, it has been suggested that Guardiola remains a huge admirer of the 12-cap Spanish international.

Featuring for La Roja as they were crowned European champions back in July, Zubimendi appears to be high on Guardiola’s January wishlist and City are interested in activating €60million release clause.

Playing the whole 90 minutes in each of Sociedad’s first nine appearances across all competitions this season, the Reale Arena hierarchy have accepted that it would be hard to stop their midfield talisman rejecting another move to England’s elite.

Bruno Guimaraes – Newcastle

Although Newcastle might have been juggling some tight financial restrictions over the summer, Eddie Howe’s side managed to keep influential skipper Bruno Guimaraes at St. James’ Park.

However, with it heavily suggested over the summer that Manchester City had identified the Brazilian superstar as their key target, the Sky Blues could be set to reignite their interest over the coming months.

With the former Lyon star watching his reported £100million release clause expire, it has been suggested that Guardiola belives that Guimaraes is the perfect option to come in and replace Rodri at the heart of City’s midfield.

While the Magpies might have made it abundantly clear that they are desperate to keep the 26-year-old at all costs, they are still dealing with some FFP restrictions and City could be willing to really test their resolve when the January window opens up.

Quickly becoming regarded as one of Europe’s hottest midfield stars, Guimaraes came out second in terms of league duels won (7.88) when compared with the other players in this list – including Rodri – last season.

Adam Wharton – Crystal Palace

While Adam Wharton might have only arrived at Selhurst Park earlier in the year, the 20-year-old has only continued on a meteoric rise since arriving at Crystal Palace.

Making an immediate impact after completing an £18million move from Championship outfit Blackburn, Wharton has taken like a duck to water since making the jump up to England’s elite.

Remarkably earning a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the summer’s European Championships, Wharton has already been linked with some of Europe’s biggest names following reported interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

With Palace enduring what has become a real struggle since opening the new campaign and failing to win any of their first six Premier League appearances, Oliver Glasner’s side face a real uphill battle to keep hold of their new budding superstar.

Although City might have welcomed back former skipper Ilkay Gundogan in a shock summer swoop, Guardiola is keen on adding more youth and Wharton appears to tick all the boxes.