Valencia star Pepelu on Manchester City’s radar as Rodri’s potential replacement

Valencia midfielder Pepelu has emerged as a key target for Manchester City as the English champions prepare for the possibility of life without Rodri. According to reports, Pepelu’s performances in La Liga have caught the attention of City’s scouting team, who view him as a long-term successor to their Spanish midfield stalwart.

The 25-year-old midfielder has been a standout performer for Valencia, appearing in 53 games for the club. In that time, he has demonstrated an eye for goal and creativity, scoring 10 times and providing three assists. His contributions on the pitch have helped Valencia maintain their competitiveness in one of Europe’s most challenging leagues.

Pepelu’s talents extend beyond club football. Though his international experience is limited, he has represented Spain at the U21 level, featuring in three matches. His technical skills, vision, and composure on the ball have earned him comparisons to some of Spain’s finest midfielders.

Pepelu’s versatility in midfield makes him an attractive proposition for Manchester City. Like Rodri, he is adept at controlling the tempo of a game, breaking up opposition attacks, and transitioning the ball forward with precision. His ability to read the game and adapt to different tactical setups aligns with Pep Guardiola’s philosophy, making him a natural fit for City’s system.

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Reports have linked the Spaniard with a move to Real Madrid, but Manchester City’s interest could turn the tide. According to Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo, Pepelu is seen as a priority for City should Rodri decide to leave the club. While there is no indication that Rodri is pushing for an exit, the Premier League champions are known for proactive planning and could move swiftly to secure Pepelu’s services.

One intriguing aspect of this potential transfer is the financial disparity between Pepelu’s reported market value and his release clause. Valencia has set a release clause of €100 million for their star midfielder, reflecting his importance to the team. However, reports suggest that he could be available for as little as €25 million—a fraction of the clause. This discrepancy could make Pepelu an even more appealing option for City, particularly in the upcoming winter transfer window.

There is growing speculation that Manchester City might accelerate their plans and attempt to sign Pepelu in January. A mid-season move would provide him with time to acclimate to the Premier League and Guardiola’s demanding system. It would also ensure that City have sufficient depth in midfield as they compete on multiple fronts.

For Valencia, losing Pepelu mid-season would be a significant blow. However, the potential financial boost from a transfer could help them address other areas of their squad. For Pepelu, the chance to join one of Europe’s most successful clubs and work under Guardiola could be too enticing to pass up.

Pepelu’s potential move to Manchester City highlights the constant evolution of football’s elite teams. While nothing is set in stone, the prospect of seeing the Valencia star donning City’s sky blue jersey adds another layer of intrigue to the January transfer window. Whether as Rodri’s eventual successor or an immediate addition, Pepelu’s arrival would undoubtedly bolster City’s already formidable squad.

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Should Manchester City sign Pepelu?

Bologna-born Giuseppe Bianchi has spent more than a decade living in Rome and writing about Italian football, Spanish football and the Premier League for various Italian football portals and now he writes about European football for Euro Football Rumours. He's been thinking about football transfers pretty much nonstop since the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy. Aside from writing, he likes to spend his time fishing and rock climbing.