Man City Face Setback in January Transfer Hunt as Torino Block Rodri Replacement Move
Manchester City’s search for a replacement for the injured Rodri has hit an early stumbling block, with their reported target, Samuele Ricci, declared unavailable by Torino.
Rodri’s Injury Leaves a Void
City have struggled to cope in Rodri’s absence after the midfielder ruptured his ACL during the 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September. Without their influential anchor, City endured a six-game winless run before Sunday’s clash with Liverpool, leaving them trailing in the title race.
Pep Guardiola’s side found themselves fifth in the Premier League standings, watching rivals Liverpool and Arsenal surge ahead. The lack of a midfield enforcer has been a glaring issue, prompting speculation about a January signing to address the gap.
Torino Blocks City’s Move for Ricci
One of Guardiola’s primary targets was reportedly Samuele Ricci, the 23-year-old Torino midfielder who has been on City’s radar for several weeks. According to reports from Calciomercato, Ricci has generated “great interest,” particularly from the reigning Premier League champions.
However, Torino have made their stance clear: Ricci is “not for sale” until at least the end of the season. Despite Torino’s inconsistent campaign—currently sitting 12th in Serie A—club chiefs view selling Ricci mid-season as “counterproductive,” prioritizing stability over cashing in on their prized asset.
This decision forces Guardiola to “go back to the drawing board” in his search for a midfield reinforcement.
Guardiola’s Focus Amidst Challenges
Despite Rodri’s absence and the team’s recent struggles, Pep Guardiola has refused to use injuries as an excuse. Speaking before the Liverpool clash, Guardiola emphasized resilience and urged his players to focus on solutions:
“It’s not an excuse that Rodri is not there. What are we going to do, cry all the time that Rodri is not there? I have to find a solution, and I’m trying every day,” Guardiola said.
He added: “It’s not nice to live, of course it’s not nice, but what do you expect? That everything will be a red carpet? That everything is nice and easy? Now I have to prove myself. We cannot forget that, three months ago, we were Premier League champions.”
Reflecting on City’s recent dominance, Guardiola reminded everyone of their achievements: “We won the Treble and four titles in a row. It’s not about playing good or bad, it’s about winning games.”
What’s Next for City?
With Samuele Ricci off the table, Manchester City’s recruitment team will have to explore alternative options for the January window. Guardiola’s need for reinforcements is urgent, as the season’s demands intensify and Rodri is unlikely to return before summer.
City fans will hope that Guardiola’s tactical ingenuity and potential new signings can reignite their season and close the gap in the title race.
