Manchester City will have no chance of winning the Premier League title if they sell Rodri, according to Arsenal legend Anders Limpar.
City facing midfield overhaul
The FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders are set to embark on a new era following the departure of Pep Guardiola at the end of last season. Enzo Maresca will already be forced to contend without one experienced campaigner in Bernardo Silva, who joined Real Madrid earlier this summer, and another stalwart appears to be headed for the exit.
After an injury-interrupted campaign, Rodri reminded everyone of his enduring class during Spain’s triumphant World Cup campaign where he was named player of the tournament. The former Ballon d’Or winner looked likely to be joining Silva at the Bernabeu but the 30-year-old now appears destined to be heading for Barcelona instead.
Limpar's warning
City have, themselves, been pro-active with their recruitment this summer and already secured the services of Elliot Anderson before it became clear Rodri was intent on seeking a fresh challenge. Even with the England star in their midfield engine room, however, Limpar fears City will suffer a major drop-off without Rodri to call upon and may even end up missing out on Champions League qualification.
‘If Manchester City sell Rodri they are shooting themselves in the foot because he cannot be replaced,’ Limpar told SveaCasino. ‘We said the same about David Silva but they did replace him and brought in a couple of good players, like Bernardo Silva, but it’s even harder to replace Rodri now.
‘He’s a Ballon d’Or winner because of how good he is in his role. Who are you going to replace him with?
‘City have to be very, very careful here or they can become a mediocre team that struggles to finish sixth or seventh even with Erling Haaland because Rodri is the machine. He’s the engine in that midfield.
‘It would be the best signing of the summer for Arsenal if Rodri goes to Barcelona or Real Madrid.’
Haaland future speculation
While there is no suggestion of discontent at the moment, meanwhile, Limpar fears City could be vulnerable this time next year when Bayern Munich begin to consider Harry Kane’s long-term successor.
He added: ‘The player who should replace Harry Kane at Bayern Munich? It’s Erling Haaland.
‘He must be their number one target because Kane and Haaland are the two greatest goalscorers in the world, so if you have to try and replace Kane you can only do it by signing Haaland. Otherwise you won’t be signing a true replacement.
“I think Harry Kane will break Lionel Messi’s record for the most goals scored in one year this year. It is going to be very difficult for Bayern Munich to replace him some day. But maybe Haaland wants to be his equal or better him and break that record for himself in the future.’
