Latest developments
- Manchester City are tracking Valencia's Pepelu.
- City see the defensive midfielder as cover for the injured Rodri.
- The 26-year-old is currently involved in a La Liga relegation battle.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): Widely reported, little source info
Man City want to replace one Spanish defensive midfielder with another, bringing in Pepelu from Valencia, while Rodri recovers from injury.
This news is being reported by a number of outlets, including Spanish site fichajes.net, though their is a distinct lack of source information surrounding the story.
Value (3/5): City under pressure to buy
Man City's terrible form of late has been clear for all to see, and they are in desperate need of cover in January, not just for Rodri.
This will play nicely into Valencia's hands, who will likely seek much more than the £18.25 million market value for one of their key players this season amid a difficult campaign.
Suitability (3/5): Improving all the time
Pepelu's value was only £2.5 million in 2023 when he signed from Levante, a clear sign of how he has become one of the best midfielders outside the elite teams in Spain.
He will be required to do the same job under Pep Guardiola, but the step up to the high-pressured situation at City will be a huge test.
Upgrade? (2/5): City will have to make do
Like all the DMs linked with City recently as cover for Rodri, he clearly isn't an upgrade on the Ballon d'Or holder. Beggars cannot be choosers, though, and bringing in a like-for-like replacement who is also after Rodri's spot in the Spain national side is much better than nothing!
Logic (2/5): What about next season?
For Pepelu, the chance to go from a relegation battle to UEFA Champions League football does not come around often, but he would surely be concerned about where his future lies once Rodri regains his fitness.
City would have to pay through the nose for a player who they might not know what to do with come the summer, and Valencia probably won't want to loan him out and risk relegation without receiving a big transfer fee.
Whisper+ verdict: 12.5/25
With no sign of their form making a turnaround, City would have to grin and bear forking out a big sum for a player they only need for half a season. For that alone, they will likely look for another suitable Rodri replacement.
