Manchester City have endured a difficult run inrecent weeks and Pep Guardiola recently mentioned Rodri’s absence as one of the reasons for their poor run.
Rodri has been sidelined with a serious injury since September and is set to spend most of the season on the sidelines.
His absence could see Manchester City look for a new midfielder in January and Estadio Deportivo say Valencia’s Pepelu could be an option.
The 26-year-old has been a regular for the La Liga side since joining them from Levante in 2023. During his time with the latter, he spent a season on loan at Vitória Guimarães.
Joao Henrique was the coaches at the Portuguese club, and he ‘supports Pepelu’s signing for Manchester City’. He also had a chat with Estadio explaining why his former player would suit well for Pep Guardiola and his side.
“I worked with Pepelu when he was much younger. He’s much more mature now. He’s always been a player who likes to have the ball, he’s not afraid of the ball. He’s very good technically. He has very good characteristics for the position. He’s very compliant with what the coach asks of him,” he said.
“So, he has the ability to do what is asked of him. He has a lot of quality in his actions, he understands the game very well and transmits the coach’s ideas well.”
“He’s always on the verge of being called up by the Spanish national team and he’s at an ideal stage of maturity to make the leap in his career that he deserves. You need that encouragement to continue your career.”
“He is an excellent man. He knows how to be, listen, talk and always with a smile on his face. He’s one of those players who fits well with City’s profile.”
Estadio claim the Premier League winners are showing interest in the player and Valencia ‘await Manchester City’s offer before making a decision.’
Although Los Ches are hoping to receive a bid from Guardiola’s side, Pepelu hasn’t made a decision on his future just yet.
His contract lasts until 2028 and has made 16 appearances for Valencia this season.
