Manchester City Pep Guardiola have identified Real Madrid Mid-fielder Federico Valverde as a potential replacement for Rodri after latest injury. He has a £830M release clause at Real Madrid

Manchester City have been pushed into one of the most difficult and emotional moments of Pep Guardiola’s reign, and the shockwaves are spreading fast across Europe. What started as concern over injuries and poor form has now grown into a full-blown rebuilding story, filled with uncertainty, tough decisions, and painful exits. Reports claim Pep Guardiola has already instructed several Manchester City players to prepare to leave the club, while at the same time identifying Real Madrid star Federico Valverde as a possible long-term solution to the biggest problem threatening City’s dominance.

For Manchester City fans, this season has felt strange and uncomfortable. For years, City were almost untouchable. They controlled games, crushed opponents, and set standards that others struggled to reach. But football never stands still. Injuries, fatigue, pressure, and change have caught up, and Guardiola is now facing challenges he has not often had to deal with during his time in England.

The heart of the problem is the midfield. More specifically, the absence of Rodri.

Rodri has been the engine of Manchester City. The player who balances everything. He protects the defence, controls the tempo, and allows attacking players to express themselves. When Rodri plays, City look calm and powerful. When he does not, City often look lost. That reality has been brutally exposed this season.

Rodri’s injury has not just removed a player. It has removed structure, confidence, and control. Guardiola has tried different combinations. He has adjusted roles. He has tweaked tactics. But nothing has truly replaced what Rodri brings. As a result, City have suffered something almost unthinkable under Guardiola: four consecutive defeats in all competitions.

The most painful of those losses came against Brighton, a match that left City five points behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race. For a club used to chasing perfection, this felt like a crisis. Inside the Etihad, alarm bells started ringing.

Guardiola is not a manager who panics publicly, but privately, he is ruthless. He studies problems deeply and then acts decisively. And now, according to reports, he has reached some very hard conclusions.

Several Manchester City players have reportedly been told they are no longer part of the long-term project. These are players who, for different reasons, have failed to meet Guardiola’s standards. Some have struggled with form. Others with injuries. A few simply no longer fit the tactical direction Guardiola wants to take as he prepares for the next phase of City’s evolution.

For those players, the message is painful but clear. This summer, they must find new clubs.

Guardiola has always believed that keeping players who are not fully trusted only weakens the squad. He prefers a smaller group of players he believes in completely. That philosophy has brought City enormous success, but it also means difficult exits are inevitable.

At the same time, Guardiola is not just focused on who must leave. His attention is firmly on who must arrive. And at the very top of that list is Federico Valverde.

Valverde is not just another midfielder. He is one of the most complete players in world football. Strong, fast, intelligent, and tactically flexible. At Real Madrid, he has played as a central midfielder, a box-to-box engine, a wide midfielder, and even as a defensive option when needed. He runs endlessly, presses aggressively, and never hides in big moments.

For Guardiola, Valverde represents something rare. A player who can offer energy and discipline while still contributing goals, assists, and intensity. In many ways, he is not a direct copy of Rodri, but he could help solve the same problems in a different way.

Reports suggest Manchester City are prepared to offer around €70 million to try and bring Valverde to the Etihad. That figure alone shows how serious they are. City do not usually bid unless Guardiola is fully convinced. And Guardiola is said to admire Valverde’s mentality just as much as his ability.

However, this potential transfer is filled with complications.

Real Madrid do not want to sell Federico Valverde. In fact, they see him as one of the pillars of their present and future. His importance to Madrid goes beyond tactics. He represents commitment, work rate, and loyalty. His contract includes a staggering €1 billion release clause, a clear signal that Madrid have no intention of losing him easily.

From Madrid’s perspective, selling Valverde for €70 million would make little sense. Especially when they are dealing with their own challenges, injuries, and transitions. They need players like Valverde, not just for balance, but for leadership.

That is why many believe a January move is extremely unlikely. Even if City push hard, Madrid hold all the power. Valverde is settled. He is trusted. And he is central to their plans.

But Manchester City’s interest alone tells a deeper story.

It shows just how serious the Rodri problem has become. City are no longer looking for short-term fixes. They are planning a structural change in midfield. Guardiola knows he cannot rely on Rodri’s availability forever. Injuries have started to appear more often. The physical demands of City’s system are brutal. A long-term solution is needed.

Other names have also been discussed internally. Hakan Calhanoglu was considered because of his passing range and intelligence, but his age raised concerns. Martin Zubimendi is admired, especially given his understanding of the Spanish style and his role as Rodri’s backup for the national team. Samuele Ricci is another option, younger and technically strong.

But Valverde stands out.

He offers something different. Power, pace, versatility, and mentality. Guardiola values players who can suffer for the team. Valverde is exactly that type of player.

While transfer discussions continue, the mood around Manchester City remains tense. Losing four games in a row has shaken confidence. Rivals sense weakness. Fans are nervous. The aura of invincibility has cracked.

Guardiola knows that moments like this define managers. This is where legacies are tested.

That is why the decision to move players on is so important. Guardiola is clearing space, not just physically, but mentally. He wants hunger. He wants players who believe. He wants a squad ready to fight for dominance again.

For the players being told to leave, it is a harsh reality of elite football. Yesterday’s trusted squad member can become today’s expendable piece. There is no sentimentality at this level. Only performance and fit.

For the fans, the news is emotional. Seeing familiar faces pushed toward the exit always hurts. But many also understand Guardiola’s logic. Manchester City did not become a dynasty by standing still. They evolved. Again and again.

As for Federico Valverde, his name will continue to dominate headlines. Even if a January move fails, City’s interest may not disappear. Summer windows change everything. Situations evolve. Contracts, pressure, and ambition all play their part.

For now, Manchester City stand at a crossroads. Behind them is an era of dominance built on perfection. Ahead of them is uncertainty, rebuilding, and tough decisions.

Pep Guardiola has chosen his path. Clear out what no longer works. Identify the best possible replacements. Protect the club’s future, even if it means pain in the present.

Whether Federico Valverde ever wears sky blue remains to be seen. But one thing is already clear. Manchester City are entering a new chapter. And it will be one of the hardest, boldest, and most defining chapters of Guardiola’s incredible journey.