Life without Rodri is difficult at Manchester City. Injured in the knee since September 22, the France Football 2024 Ballon d’Or is not expected to return to the field this season. Enough to pose a lot of problems for Pep Guardiola’s gang, who are struggling in the game and in the results this season. “ We are playing without the Ballon d’Or and without the man who was the best player in England last season. No team can play without central defenders, without the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or and without the best player of the season », declared the Iberian coach of City.
In addition to the absence of the Spanish international, the current City circles are struggling to convince. Back in Manchester since this summer, Ilkay Gundogan has not regained his former level, while Kevin De Bruyne has been experiencing physical problems for several seasons. It’s not much better for Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes. In recent weeks, the names of Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Zubimendi and Florian Wirtz have emerged in the English press as potential targets for the next transfer window. Another name, well known in the Premier League, has just burst onto the scene.
Pogba targeted by City
According to The IndependentManchester City have sounded out Paul Pogba for a possible transfer when he returns to the football field. As a reminder, the former Manchester United player saw his four-year ban for doping reduced to 18 months, meaning he will be able to play again in March 2025. He is currently free since the termination of his contract at Juventus , which took place last November.
Pep Guardiola is a long-time fan of the player and is open to his arrival. The arrival of Pogba at City has even already been considered, when the latter was still wearing the jersey of Red Devils. However, the British media reports that the 31-year-old player is reluctant to return to England, having had a more than delicate second experience at Manchester United (2016-2022). If he still wants to join a high-class club, Pogba favors experience in Spain, Italy or Germany. Unless there is an improbable turnaround, it seems complicated to see him land at Manchester City.
